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TALIEN, 

A SPANISH PRINCESS. 

BY 

EDWIN STYLES METCALF 

AUTHOR OF 

TREATISE ON MELODY/^ ''OLIO OF ISMS AND 
OLOGIES/^ "ESSAYS AND POEMS/^ ETC. 


CHICAGO: 

L’Ora Queta Publishing Company. 


NOT INC. 



Copyrighted, 1910, 
by 

Edwin Styles Metcalf. 



©CI.A26R59r{ 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTEK I. 

Talien, the Beauty aud Belle of Kacine. 
CHAPTER II. 

Talien, the Daughter of a Spanish Princess, Adopted by Gen- 
eral and Mrs. Medillo. Talien Grows Conscious 
of Her Great Beauty and Special Charms. 

CHAPTER HI. 

Talien’s Hand and Heart Sought by Many. 
CHAPTER IV. 

Talien’s Summer Pleasures at Racine. Her Birth Day Party. 
Mrs. Medillo Stricken. Scenes of Joy are Turned to Sorrow. 

CHAPTER V. 

Talien at the White Mountains. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Talien and the Young U. S. Navy Officer. 
CHAPTER VII. 

Talien and Sullivan’s “Lost Chord.” 

CHAPTER VIII. 

A Dispatch from Washington to the Officer. 
CHAPTER IX. 

The Lieutenant Pleads for Talien’s Hand and Heart. 
CHAPTER X. 

The General Advises and Soliloquizes. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Talien Accepts the Lieutenant’s Proposal. 
CHAPTER XII. 

A Letter from Officer Porter. Talien and the General go to Paris. 


CHAPTEE XIII. 

Gay Paris. Talien’s Ambition. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Prince Minto’s Reception. The General and Talien. Talien 
binge. The General Stricken. Princess Careta Murata. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Prince de Val, a Rival. Princess Murata’e Letter to Talien. 
CHAPTER XVI. 

Prince de Val and Princess Murata. Talien’s Letter to Com- 
modore Porter. The Commodore’s Answer. Princess 
Murata’s View of an American. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Prince de Val, the Commodore and Talien. Death of Princess 
Murata. Talien’s Marriage to Prince de Val 
Postponed, then Cancelled. 

CHAPTER XVI 11. 

Talien Leaves Madred. She Visits Paris and America. Leaves 
Prince de Val. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Talien Meditates. She Goes to the White Mountains. Taliena, 
the Commodore’s Daughter. Talien Leaves for Canada. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Talien on Titles. Letters Awaiting Her. She Enters a Nun- 
nery. Talien and Mother Superior. 

CHAPTER XXL 

A Letter and Photograph from Catrina. Death of the Commo- 
dore and Mrs. Porter. Catrina’s Wedding. 

Taliena with the Princess. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Princess Talien’s Will. The Princess and Taliena Visit the 
Orient. The Commodore’s Monument. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Taliena’s Wedding. The Death of Princess Talien. The 
Sealed Letter. 


TALIEN, 


OHAPTEK r. 

Talien, the beauty and belle of Kacine. 

It is no ordinary sorrow that persists in drain- 
ing the heart of its life. Tears, bitter tears, 
may fall, again and again, from a heart wrung 
by disappointment and the loss of friends and 
loved ones. But what fiend is that with power 
supreme to clutch the heart and hold it in its 
iron grasp until it has wept its life away? What 
fiend is that whose visage, laugh, and dance, 
appall, strike deadly terror to the soul, or bid 
it flee in fright, and from whose fatal fangs its 
victim heart finds no relief save at the hand of 
death. Can it be that such a thing has a right 
to exist in this world of love and beauty, to roam 
where it will undaunted, with right supreme 
to do its work where plenty, music, love and 


6 


TALIEN. 


flowers abound? And cannot all the arts of man, 
with bolts and bars and guards and arms, this 
monster hold at bay? No. For had all these 
the power such work to do, the fair Talien, the 
beauty and belle of Kacine, would not have been 
its prey. The waves and winds of fair lake Mich- 
igan would no sad requiem now to her in memory 
sing. The voice would silent be that now so oft 
is heard at midnight hour pitiously calling through 
the darkness, ‘‘Talien! Talien! Come back, Talien!” 
A voice to which naught else responds save that 
of its echo, “Talien! Talien!” An echo soon lost 
in the solemn murmur of wind and wave, that 
ever and anon caress the shore where once she 
ran in her girlhood days, thoughtless of the sor- 
row that years to come would bring to her. 

Where was she born? It matters not, for it 
was not from thence her depth of sorrow came. 
It is enough to know that her mother was a 
Spanish princess, that royal blood ran through 
her flne commanding form giving to her step its 
majestic tread, to her regal head its well poised 


TALIEN. 


7 


air, to her full brown eyes, well set beneath a 
thoughtful brow, their speaking life and sparkling 
beauty, to her expressive lips their rosy hue, and, 
as a crown to all, a wealth of wavy, glossy, chest- 
nut hair, with a voice to captivate and bind. 
Yes, the body that held the spirit of Talien was 
one of faultless beauty. The lily and the rose 
with dew-drops moist, kissed by the early morn, 
could not in their freshness, form and beauty, well 
with her compare. The notes of the robin, the 
nightingale or the meadow lark, were each too 
harsh to blend with those of her sweet, clear and 
liquid voice. By heaven endowed the eye to please, 
the tall artistic form of fair Talien was one for 
Grecian art to seek, for beauty to admire, or for 
envy to excite. 

But beauty of form and features were not all 
that made her attractive. Nature had worked 
beyond the exterior, and had placed within this 
temple of finished art the light of a brilliant in- 
tellect, that sparkled with wit and good humor, 
like gems in a royal diadem. Thus appeared this 


8 


TALIEN. 


peerless beauty at the sweet and charming age 
of blooming eighteen. 


TALIEN. 


9 


CHAPTEB II. 

Talien, the daughter of a Spanish Princess adopted by General 
and Mrs. Medillo. She grows conscious of her great 
beauty and special charms and is warned and 
chided by Mrs. Medillo. 

But who was Talien? She was the adopted 
daughter of General and Mrs. Medillo, who had 
taken her as their own when she was but an in- 
fant, from the hands of a Spanish princess, and 
under circumstances that always remained veiled 
in mystery to all save the General himself, who 
had taken a vow never to divulge the secret of 
her birth and parentage. With a vast fortune 
he had left the Spanish city of Madrid in 18 — 
and sailed with his American wife and his only 
and adopted child, Talien, for America, locating, 
after a short sojourn in the South, at Racine, 
Wisconsin. In this way, Talien, at a tender age 
became the child of those who were noble, cul- 
tured and affectionate, and who loved her dearly 


10 


TALIEN. 


and watched over her young life with idolatrous 
attention. Surrounded by luxury and refinement, 
tutored by the best instructors in mind, morals, 
manners and in the ways of health, Talien grew 
and developed under such benign circumstances 
and influences as a choice exotic plant, be- 
coming an object of rare attraction, not only 
for her external beauty but also for her sweet 
disposition and accomplishments. Being passion- 
ately fond of travel, her studies had been in- 
terspersed by visits to many pleasure resorts in 
America, where nature and art vie with each oth^ 
for the beautiful and the sublime. In visiting these 
places she had always been accompanied by her 
mother, who well appreciated the necessity of 
guarding her special trust from the designs of the 
vain and the vicious that ever pursued her foot- 
steps. She was constantly warning Talien, who 
now seemed to be growing conscious of her great 
beauty and special charms and becoming a trifle 
vain, that the best of life was not to be found in 
the pathways of the vain, the idle and the frivol- 


TALIEN. 


11 


ous, but that it was better to live for, and to be 
admired by the true, the good, the useful and the 
brave, than it was to be admired, praised and 
sought after by the idle — the vain — the worth- 
less — and the vicious. Thus by wealth attended 
and favored by all its opportunities and advantages, 
and having for her constant companion, Mrs. Me- 
dillo with her Christian graces, how could Talien’s 
future be any other than an ideal one. Her des- 
tiny seemed assured, a picture bright in the distant 
light. So time ran on and with it ran the voice 
of promise. 


12 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTEE III. . 

Talien’s hand and heart sought by many, but all are 
waived aside. 

A gem so rare and brought by art to such per- 
fection was not to pass unsought. Again and 
again her hand and heart were sought in matrimony 
by those who were quite her equal in wealth and 
station and born to noble purpose. But these 
were all waived aside. Talien preferred to con- 
tinue the free life that she had led, which gave 
her liberty to go and come at her fancy and to 
remain in the company of her loving mother, the 
sweetest of all her associates, rather than to be 
bound by the necessity of consulting the wishes, 
tastes, or convenience of another. How could she 
form an alliance that might deprive her of the en- 
joyments of her beautiful home, the Medillo mansion 
with its vast pleasure grounds, its magnificent ap- 
pointments, and above all its dear associations. 


TALIEN. 


13 


The lights and shadows that fell upon lake Michi- 
gan, the song of its winds and waves, the sky and 
flowers and song birds that greeted her on every 
side as she strolled about, seemed to her to be the 
same that had rambled with her in her tender 
days; from these how could she part? They were 
dearer to her young heart than anything that those 
who came to woo could offer. The time might 
come when Apollo with his harp of love could 
sing the only song to which her ear might listen, 
and for which her heart might crave, but now 
she loved the friendship, praise and admiration of 
all. How two could live as one in wedlock, her 
young gay heart of vain proportions and without 
care could not well imagine, but a variety, rich 
and rare, accorded best with it. And so suitors 
came and went, some going in despair and some 
in chagrin, while others returned with a hope to 
win. 

So, mother and daughter with their few choice 
friends lived on enjoying one another, speculating 
upon the future and anticipating the return of 


14 


TALIEN. 


wholesome delights which were sure to come to 
them in their season. 


TALIEN. 


15 


CHAPTER IV. 

Talien’s Summer pleasures at Racine. Her birth-day party. 

Mrs. Medillo stricken. Scenes of joy are turned to sorrow. 

It was now summer in Racine, a time for boat- 
ing, fishing, hunting and horseback riding, of the 
last of which Talien was especially fond. An early 
morning ride on her trusty and speedy pony to 
the Medillo farm of many acres, situated a few 
miles from Racine and known for its variety of 
beautiful fruit, rare fishing facilities, wild game 
and romantic drives, was an exercise that Talien 
prized the most of all of her outdoor pleas- 
ures. Pony and fair one as they went and re- 
turned each morning with fruit and flowers were 
a picture of beauty, for the appearance of which 
and for whose smile and gracious bow, all who 
chanced to live on her route awaited each morning. 

But a lance of sorrow was soon to pierce the 
heart that had so long enjoyed the sweets of ease 


16 


TALIEN. 


and luxury in the clover fields of friendship and 
love. It came at last as it often comes at a time 
when the heart is tuned to its highest pitch of 
pleasure. It was Talien’s birthday. The palatial 
mansion of General Medillo with its rich appoint- 
ments stood brilliantly forth in its spacious and 
well kept grounds where grew the choicest of 
flowers, trees and shrubs in abundance and 
order. Within its fair walls where now the festive 
song was heard, the fragrance of exotic plants filled 
every space. Gayety in rich attire, in grace and 
mirth, moved to and fro to sweetest music, all 
sparkling in electric lights. There Talien in 
her regal splendor was the queen of all. Joy 
reigned supreme. Music and mirth, flowers and 
beauty, all vied with one another to do her honor, 
as on went song and dance at the midnight hour. 
All hearts were gay and tripping with delight. 
The scene was beautiful. General and Mrs. Medillo 
sat together looking on in pride as before them 
the figure of their beloved child, the dazzling 
beauty, glided in all her facinating charms. But 


TALIEN. 


17 


now, as on the merry party moves, a sharp, a 
piercing cry is heard. All is now confusion. The 
music, the laughter and dancing have stopped. The 
mother of Talien has been stricken down by a 
bust of Psyche that has fallen from its niche in 
the wall above her and is now being borne away 
to her chamber by a loving husband, followed 
by the weeping Talien. The scene has changed. 
The lights are out. The music and gay throng 
have gone, and there is now, where but a moment 
before all was pleasure, whispering, gloom, anxie- 
ty and tears. A physician is bending over the 
prostrate form of a loving mother in the presence 
of a weeping daughter and a pale and anxious 
husband. Thus side by side did mirth and sor- 
row run. 

The injuries that Mrs. Medillo had received de- 
fied the skill and attention of the most eminent 
physicians and nurses; so, after a short season of 
much suffering, the veil that separates earth from 
heaven was lifted, and to her vision was present- 
ed the beauties of her celestial home, whither. 


18 


TALIEN. 


bidding adieu to weeping eyes and broken hearts, 
she was borne in the arms of the white robed 
to the music of angelic voices. 

Poor Talien now had lost forever her guiding 
star. Bitter, ah, how bitter, the cup from which 
she now did drink! What now to her broken 
heart was life, beauty, wealth, and friends. Death 
had taken from her the very sunshine of her ex- 
istence, her sweet guardian angel, her hope, her 
faith, her staff, her all. 

Thus bereft and depressed she drooped and 
faded for a time as droops the flower when beat- 
en by the northern blast. Gone now forever the 
hand that had so often smoothed her silken tresses; 
the voice that had so often joined with her in 
evening prayer; the loving smile that made each 
morning glad; the kiss that gave to night its sweet 
repose; the mind that had fashioned her best 
thoughts and set their pace aright. Birds and 
flowers amidst the arbors and trees about the 
Medillo mansion were songless and devoid of 
fragrance and seemed to sorrow with her and feel 


TALIEN. 


19 


the loss she bore. Friends came with their sun- 
shine, but death’s shadow would remain. General 
Medillo, kind and loving as he was, could not 
fill the gap or heal the wound that death had 
made. So time ran on, and taking Talien with 
it tried to win her heart from grief and cause 
her to forget in a measure her great loss. 


20 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTEK V. 

Talien at the White Mountains. 

A trip to the White Mountains was planned by 
the General with the hope that new scenes and 
faces would help his daughter to recover her 
wonted beauty and buoyancy of spirit. A farewell 
visit was made to the spot in the family lot 
where the remains of Mrs. Medillo were lain and 
fresh flowers were tenderly strewn over her grave 
with sobs and tears. Thus Talien took leave of 
friends and dear associations and with General 
Medillo and her maid went to the mountain re- 
sort, where time with the aid of a merry life was 
successful in bringing back to the cheek its bloom, 
to the eye its wonted luster, to the voice its silvery 
tone and to the head its spirited poise. But 
while to the casual eye Talien seemed again to 
be her former self, still the keen observer might 
have noticed that her spirit in reviving had un- 


TALIEN. 


21 


dergone a sad change. In its transition from 
joy to grief and back to joy again it had suffered 
the loss of its former reserve and repose and 
taken on a degree of restless desire for show and 
adventure, a desire which was not restrained by 
the General but rather encouraged as a preventive 
against a return of the heavy gloom that had prev- 
iously settled down upon his daughter’s heart at 
the death of Mrs. Medillo. So he smiled upon 
her his approval as she mingled with the vain, 
the frivolous and the gay, and designedly rejoiced 
with her over the marked attention and praise that 
she received from the wealth, beauty and fashion 
that had congregated there for rest and recrea- 
tion. He little thought that he was lending his 
aid to a vicious end, else his voice and influence 
would have attempted to restrain what now it en- 
couraged. 


22 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTER VL 

Talien aud the young U. S. Navy Officer. 

It so happened that at the Kearsarge House, 
the fashionable hotel at the White Mountains 
where the General and Talien were stopping, there 
was a handsome and fascinating young lieutenant 
of the United States Navy. His fine figure and 
easy military bearing commanded attention and 
attracted the favorable notice of Talien, who was 
now fast loosing herself in the beauties, pleasures, 
and recreations of the place much to the delight 
of General Medillo and those who had noticed 
and regretted the hold that grief seemed to have 
upon her when she first made her appearance 
among them. 

The Lieutenant was a charming conversational- 
ist with a variety of marine adventures. The 
animated and engaging manner in which he de- 
tailed and described the places that he had visited 


TALIEN. 


23 


and the scenes and incidents of his travels, did 
not fail to excite the admiration of Talien as she 
sat listening in the twilight on the porch of 
the hotel beside the General, who also felt the 
manly and fascinating power of the tall, well pro- 
portioned and handsome young Lieutenant of the 
American Navy. In his company the General 
felt that Talien might ramble with impunity and 
accept him as her escort in her morning eques- 
trian rides among the pleasure paths of the sur- 
rounding hills. • 

Now Talien was fast approaching her nineteenth 
birthday, a beautiful, romantic and fascinating age, 
while the young and promising lieutenant was 
about thirty, full of life, adventure and ambition. 
Besides, General Medillo was growing old and could 
not enter into the sports and romantic affairs of 
life that now stirred the hearts of Talien and the 
young officer. Hence it was perfectly natural 
that they should be attracted to each other, and 
that the General should look upon them with 
favor. But who was this young lieutenant? 


24 


TALIEN. 


And what of his antecedents and prospects? Well, 
he was born at Rutland, in the good old State 
of Vermont, and was of a well to do and truly 
aristocratic family; his name was Henry E. Porter, 
bearing the proud rank of First Lieutenant in the 
United States Navy, who in the course of time 
shall develop to the reader his own character. 


TALIEN. 


25 


CHAPTER VII. 

Talien and Snllivan's ‘‘Lost Chord/' 

It was now the month of July, and the Hotel 
Kearsarge was full of patrons from various cities. 
It was evening and, as usual, there was music 
in the parlor, while on the porches surrounding it 
many were seated. Now is heard in becoming 
and plaintive tones the introduction to Sullivan’s 
“Lost Chord,” followed by one who sang the song 
as though inspired. Now the conversation stops 
and all are listening, while many are spell-bound 
and fascinated by the pure, full, liquid notes of 
the singer. “What voice is that?” “Who is 
she singing like an angel, that angelic song?” 
“Lo! it is Talien!” came in surprise from many 
now surging at the windows. “Truly,” exclaimed 
somebody, “one can entertain angels unawares.” 
Now she is surrounded, admired and congratulat- 
ed, while the General sits weeping upon the porch, 


26 


TALIEN. 


for he has not heard her sing since the night 
when Mrs. Medillo was stricken. He knew that 
she was in the parlor, but thought her there to 
listen rather than to sing, and upon hearing her 
voice again he was so overcome with joy mingled 
with sad remembrances that he was forced to 
weep. It was now most a year since he had heard 
her sing, for there was something in Talien that 
bid him not request a song. So he had waited 
long and anxiously for the song spirit to return. 
Hence it was that he wept for joy, a joy mingled 
with a sad remembrance. The Lieutenant, too, had 
heard her sing, for he was approaching the hotel as 
the song began, and like the General was more 
than surprised, nay, was greatly fascinated to hear 
the rich, beautiful and highly cultivated voice of 
the captivating Talien; for being a fine musician 
himself, he knew that no ordinary and poorly cul- 
tivated voice could render in such an artistic man- 
ner, Sullivan’s “Lost Chord.” So he now seeing 
others gathered about the sweet and talented Talien 
in the hotel parlor, sought the accustomed place 


TALIEN. 


27 


of the General and tried to comfort him in a 
distant, subordinate, but kind manner. 

Just then Talien emerged from the parlor with 
her captivating smile, and in her wonted and 
queenly manner bowed and bade the young officer 
good evening, who gallantly and admiringly re- 
turned her greeting as he stood beside the General, 
who was now trying to compose himself. “Why, 
what is the matter. General?” eKclaimed Talien, 
advancing with a look of concern and placing her 
hand aflPectionately upon his shoulder. “Oh, 
nothing, my child,” said he, smiling and fondly 
stroking her hand. “Oh yes, there is,” returned 
Talien, now seating herself upon an arm of his 
chair. “Come now, tell me what it is that has 
thus affected you.” At this the young navy officer, 
diplomatically suggested that Talien and he should 
take a short stroll, to which the General readily 
assented by urging them to go and leave him alone 
to himself for a time. But Talien demurred, un- 
conscious of the cause of his tears, insisting that 
he should then and there make known to her the 


28 


TALIEN. 


cause of his sudden grief. In the meantime the 
Lieutenant had withdrawn to a respectful distance 
where he stood chatting with another. Talien, 
having found the young officer at the side of the 
General when she emerged from the throng that 
was admiring and congratulating her in the parlor, 
thought that possibly he had said something that 
had caused him to weep. Therefor she, whisper- 
ing softly, wanted to know if such was the case. 
The General replied that it was not and fondly 
urg^d her to accept the invitation to stroll. 
Always obedient to his wishes, she rose and, 
moving in her wonted and stately manner, notified 
the young officer that she was ready. So they 
departed, after Talien had taken an affectionate 
adieu from the General, for whom she had a 
daughter’s undying affection. 

Now out into the moonlight and shadows proud- 
ly went the youthful hearts, Talien looking back 
now and then toward the porch where sat the 
General, waving him a fond remembrance, while 
the young officer did not forget to turn and salute 


TALIEN. 


29 


his honored and retired superior. Thus strolling 
for a time they came to seats in an arbor where 
they seated themselves. The moon was throwing 
into shade the lofty pines and gilding with purest 
silver the calm, pellucid lake. A soft and sweetly 
scented zephyr was playing with an unconsciously 
stray lock of Talien’s hair, while the nightingale 
was singing its evening song of love. Both were 
silent for a few moments, the young officer being 
in a puzzled and meditative mood, with her sing- 
ing of the “Lost Chord” still ringing in his mem- 
ory and the scenes that he had just witnessed at 
the hotel yet fresh before him; while the mind of 
Talien was yet excited over the commotion that 
her singing had created and still wondering as 
to the cause of the tears and the sobs of the 
General. There both sat for a time seemingly 
lost in meditation or in a state of reverie. Sud- 
denly the strains of a band broke upon the ear 
beautifully playing that national air “The Star 
Spangled Banner.” This so stirred the young 
officer that he rose and standing before Talien ex- 


30 


TALIEN. 


claimed with a glow of patriotism: “How beauti- 
ful, original, and stirring it is.” To this Talien 
nodding her assent replied: “Officer, you are 
so much in love with music that you should have 
been a professor.” “Ah, thank you, that is why 
I, with others, so much admire Talien who sings 
so beautifully,” he gallantly returned. At this 
Talien smiling and bowing her thanks, rose and 
said: “Let us return to the hotel.” So they 

laughing and chatting slowly walked thither where 
they were pleasantly greeted by the General, who 
had now recovered his usual cheerfulness of man- 
ner and conversation. 


TALIEN. 


31 


CHAPTEE VIIL 

A Dispatch from Washington orders the Lieutenant 
to duty. 

A dispatch from Washington ordered the young 
officer to duty. He must report at Fortress Mon- 
roe in five days. This was a sad disappointment, 
causing him to be dejected, for he had planned to 
remain at the Kearsarge for some time yet to en- 
joy its pleasures and recreations; besides, he had 
become more than fond of Talien. But now all 
of his anticipations were turned to disappointment. 
Duty called him and he must go. Only five days! 
What could one do in five days, thought he. And 
how could he leave Talien so soon; she with whom 
he was more than charmed, although he had re- 
frained from showing it lest his attentions might 
be misunderstood and he be denied the moonlight 
strolls he had by the grace of the General so 
much enjoyed with her. 


32 


TALIEN. 


It is now the dinner hour at the Kearsarge; the 
gong is sounding and the merry laughter of the 
children is heard as they come running from the 
hotel lawn to prepare for their evening meal. At 
the same table are seated the General and the 
young Lieutenant as now comes Talien in her 
stately manner and takes her accustomed seat be- 
side the General. As she approaches she notices 
that he is thoughtfully perusing a paper that the 
young officer had passed to him; and being some- 
what inquisitive she smilingly inquired the cause 
of so much silence and gloom. Not receiving a 
ready reply and looking again at the Lieutenant, 
she discovered upon his usually cheerful brow a 
look of dejection and in his eye a glistening tear. 
“Well,” reflectingly said the General, slowly fold- 
ing the dispatch and looking up regretfully into 
the face of the young officer, “shall I pass it to 
Talien to read?” “If you please,” was the respect- 
ful but gloomy reply. So Talien, still wondering 
what the sad news could be that was so affecting 
them, eagerly took the paper and read its meaning. 


TALIEN. 


83 


and then as its full import dawned upon her she 
sat for a moment dazed, then turned and gazed 
into the twilight. Finally, the General in a mili- 
tary spirit remarked, ‘‘Orders are orders, and must 
be obeyed.” A remark which was acquiesed in 
and which served to restore, at least in appearance, 
the accustomed etiquette of the evening meal. 
But it was quite apparent that they were all more 
or less disturbed by the unexpected order. Upon 
leaving the dining room they sought, as was their 
wont to do, seats upon the porch. On the one 
side of the General sat Talien, while on the other 
sat the young officer. The three remained silent 
a few moments, when the General, looking sky- 
ward, deliberately and touchingly said: “Well, 
officer, I am sorry that you are going to leave 
us so soon.” “Yes,” quickly joined in Talien, 
“so am I. It seems to me more like a dream 
than a reality.” “Well, it is certainly pleasant to 
know that I shall be missed,’’ returned the young 
officer. “However, I can’t bear the thought of 
leaving either of you, and yet the order must be 


34 


TALIEN. 


obeyed.” And then the three sat quietly gazing 
down the moonlit walks. It was quite plain, 
however, to the keen observer, that there was 
something on the mind of the young officer that 
was troubling him more than the order; a some- 
thing which seemed to worry him and that called 
for prompt attention. Yes, he was in love with 
T alien, this he knew, but she did not, neither 
did the General, for the Lieutenant had so adroit- 
ly covered his feelings that neither of them had 
so much as suspected such a thing. But now 
the time had come when he must make known 
to her his heart’s desire. Besides, her heart 
might be otherwise placed. She, too, may have 
surmised that of him, for her deportment and 
his had been such as to indicate no more than 
a friendly regard for each other. But be that 
as it might, he was resolved then and there to 
tell Talien of the feelings he cherished for her. 
So he rose, his tall and well shaped figure and 
military carriage well becoming the official rank 
that he bore, while in his dark, penetrating eye 


TALIEN. 


35 


and handsome chin, denoting decision, there was 
that which spoke of him as being no ordinary 
person. Then turning to Talien he suggested 
that they take their evening stroll. At this Talien, 
hesitating about leaving the General in his moody 
state of mind, did not respond promptly, when 
he turned and said to her: “By all means, go 
and take your usual evening walk.” So Talien, 
leaving a kiss upon his brow and bidding him 
be cheerful, walked away into the moonlight with 
the young officer. Reaching a trysting place they 
found the seats there vacant and the place de- 
serted, save there was the chirping cricket and 
the nightingale singing its song of love. Here 
the two sat awhile in light conversation and list- 
ened to the song of that beautiful bird. 


36 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTER IX. 

The Lieutenant pleads for Talien’s hand and heart. 

Then turning and gently taking the hand of 
Talien he exclaimed: ‘T love you Talien, and have 
for some time. I was much interested in you 
before the evening that I heard you sing Sullivan’s 
‘Lost Chord,’ but that evening you went deep into 
my heart, and there you have been unconscious- 
ly nestling ever since. Then it was that your 
better self spoke; then it was that I listened to 
your singing soul. So it was not strange to me 
that the General should weep upon the porch, 
that those of culture and refinement should sur- 
round, admire and congratulate you. Ah! Talien? 
permit me to offer you my hand — my heart — my 
life — my all — and all that I may become or have, 
and ask you to accept. Not now, but after due 
deliberation and a careful examination of your 
heart; for your heart and love I must have, yes. 


TALIEN. 


37 


as freely as I offer mine. Talien, my dear Talien, 
will you consider my proposal and give me a 
decided answer to-morrow evening?” said the young 
officer, drawing himself more closely to her side 
and looking intently and admiringly into her 
sparkling and soulful eyes as she gazed through 
the trees toward the porch where the General 
sat meditating. Now this was not the first time 
that such a proposal had been made to Talien. 
Her mind ran back to Racine, Wisconsin, where 
she lived over again in rapid memory the many 
days of joy that she had spent there. Many 
similar proposals had been made to her and she 
had said nay to them all. But since then what 
changes had taken place. Mrs. Medillo, who had 
previously visited the White Mountains with her, 
was now lying at Racine in the family lot, over 
whose grave Talien had but recently strewn flowers 
and shed tears. And as she thought of her she 
broke into tears, which confused and alarmed the 
young officer, for he saw that they were not tears 
of joy but of grief. Thinking that possibly he 


38 


TALIEN. 


had expressed himself rudely, and that perhaps 
her heart might be otherwise placed, he hastily 
modified the proposal adding to it a proviso. 
At this, Talien, in her queenly but tender 
manner, said that the modification and proviso 
were not necessary; that all that the young 
oflScer had said had so touched her heart 
and awakened such sad memories that tears 
and sobs would come; that she fully appreciated 
his noble and manly appeal and was proud to be 
its recipient, but that she felt it to be her duty 
as well as her pleasure to consult the General 
before accepting so serious a proposition. Besides, 
she did not care to act upon the impulse of the 
moment, the whole matter seeming to her to be 
fraught with many weighty considerations. She 
would, however, give him a decided answer the 
following evening, if not before, for she knew 
that time was short and precious to them both. 
Then the young and graceful Talien rose and, 
looking into his loving and manly face smiled 
her heart’s answer, while the cricket was still 


T ALIEN. 


39 


chirping and the nightingale was singing its sweet 
song. Then toward the hotel the lovers thought- 
fully and slowly walked. 

It was nearly ten o’clock when they reached the 
porch where sat the General alone still meditating 
but cheerful. There was something, however, in the 
manner of Talien and the young officer that the Gen- 
eral could not quite understand. Possibly it was be- 
cause of the order and thought of so shortly sepa- 
rating from each other. At any rate there was some- 
thing the matter with them both. Talien now seated 
herself by the General while the young officer stood 
near. Then, respectfully saluting, he bowed and said 
goodnight. He had but gone when the General, 
solicitous for the welfare of Talien, turned to 
her and asked whether their walk was a pleasant 
one. “It was, and it was not,” demurely respond- 
ed Talien. “What do you mean by that, my 
child?” At this Talien, nestling close to the Gen- 
eral and looking up into his handsome and kindly 
face, told him what had happened and asked him 
what her answer should be. 


40 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTER X. 

The General advisee and soliloquizes. 

The General smiled and looked puzzled. After 
a time he said, taking her hand, “My child, 
it is a matter of the heart, which nobody can de- 
cide but yourself. I, of course, can tell you how 
it appears to me, but beyond that I cannot go; 
what might now seem best to me, might later 
prove bad for you.” “But you can, at least, tell 
me what you think of it,” said Talien, looking in- 
tently and seriously into his face. “Well, he is 
about thirty and you are nearly nineteen. You 
say that you are not to marry him until you are 
twenty-four. By that time you will have seen more 
of life and be more mature. Well, taking into con- 
sideration your ages, your accomplishments, tastes, 
desires, ambitions, and especially your dispositions, 
and what I know of him and of you, yes, taking 
everything into consideration, it seems to me a 


TALIEN. 


41 


good offer, Talien, although I shall dislike to see 
the day of the wedding approach. But then a 
lot of things can happen in five years. We may 
all be dead before then.” “Oh, don’t, don’t say 
that,” broke in Talien. “It makes me sad,” and 
here she wiped away a tear that was about to 
fall. “Well, to give you my best judgment in 
regard to the matter, I would say that it is a 
good offer, one that I would accept, were I you; 
but with the proviso that the marrying event 
shall not take place for at least five years from 
now, for I understand that it will be that length 
of time before the Lieutenant will have accom- 
plished what his heart is set upon and be ready 
to settle down to married life. 

And then you, Talien, are young yet with much 
that you wish to accomplish before that event, 
which will take you at least five years. Yet the 
fact that you are engaged and waiting for each 
other will prove to be an incentive for both of 
you,” Here the General paused, and looking 
toward Talien, saw that she was in tears. “Now 


42 


TALIEN. 


what have I said,” thought he, “that has wounded 
her feelings and caused those tears.” Possibly 
he had spoken too practically to her young and 
romantic heart, but as she had insisted upon an 
expression of his judgment, he had plainly yet 
lovingly given it. Just then, Talien compos- 
ing herself and seeing that the General’s eyes 
were moist with tears and that he said nothing, 
drew near to him, saying that she had been 
weeping for joy, that she not only loved him, 
but that she loved the young officer, hence she 
wept at his advice. It was now time to retire, 
and again thanking him for his frank and loving 
counsel, which was in accord with her own heart, 
she bade him a loving goodnight and went to her 
room to think the matter over further, although 
she then thought that she would accept the young 
officer’s proposal. 

It is now past midnight at the mountain house 
and its inmates are soundly sleeping, save Talien 
and the young officer. She is still debating in 
her mind what is the wisest thing to do, not- 


TALIEN. 


43 


withstanding she has the consent and the favor- 
able judgment of the General. Finally she comes 
to the conclusion that she will accept, although, 
as the General has said, in five years many changes 
are liable to happen, the worst of which she will 
not think about; for she had been taught that 
it is always better to look for sunshine rather 
than shadow in this world of change; besides, 
she thinks of how much she wishes to accomplish 
before settling down and assuming the cares and 
duties of married life, which presented to her 
young and inexperienced mind two pictures, one 
joyful and the other sad to contemplate, for 
she had heard or read of both. Thus Talien 
soliloquized and tried to banish the thoughts 
that would present themselves. 

As for the young officer, he was anxiously and 
restlessly waiting for the time to come when his 
proposal would either be accepted or rejected, 
he being fearful of the latter, but hopeful of the 
former. He too was speculating upon his future 
and wondering how he could live so long away 


J 

44 TALIEN. 

from her, should she accept, having now 
become so much in love with her. Finally 
the morning came. The birds were singing with- 
out while within the hotel all was life and astir. 
The gong sounds the breakfast hour, and now 
Talien is gracefully and sweetly smiling while 
lovingly bidding both the General and the young 
Lieutenant, who are already seated at the table 
and awaiting her coming, a cheery good morning: 
a salutation which they lovingly and gallantly re- 
turn. The breakfast being over and they 
about to separate, Talien, rising and approaching 
the young officer, suggested that they take a stroll 
instead of their usual equestrian ride. Her sug- 
gestion was readily accepted while the General 
stood by politely waiting and nodding his ap- 
proval. 

Now the two in a happy mood are leaving the hotel 
porch, the young officer not forgetting to salute his 
superior as he gallantly steps away by the side of the 
beautiful Talien, while she, ever remembering the 
General, waves her handkerchief in a fond adieu. 


TALIEN. 


45 


The General, sitting upon the porch and watch- 
ing them move away down the shady walks, won- 
ders what Talien’s answer to the young officer 
will be. Again, as he sat there pondering over 
Talien’s question and all that it meant to him 
as well as to her, he tried to recall the exact 
words that he had used in giving his opinion, 
besides their full meaning and the manner in 
which she might have understood them; Talien, 
whom he loved as though she were his own child, 
while she had ever thought him to be her own 
father, although she had always called him the 
General, as others were wont to do. Thus, as 
he thought and reflected upon what he knew to 
have happened in the lives of others, and what 
might sometime occur to disturb the peace and 
happiness of the two who seemed to him (who 
was now past eighty), as though they were but 
growing children, such thoughts and reflec- 
tions did not cheer him. Yet, it was possible 
that they might enjoy a large degree of hap- 
piness, as such had been his lot for many years. 


46 


TALIEN. 


But then bow could he give up Talien, who had 
been his charge and pet for the past nineteen 
years. Still, he must not be unduly selfish. The 
romance of her heart and its aspirations he ought 
to respect and cherish, nay, aid and take an interest 
in them. Besides, in the space of five years 
he might be numbered among the dead, then again, 
he might not. At any rate he ought to advise 
her wisely, and believed he had, as the young 
officer was a noble fellow with excellent habits, 
bright prospects, and was sure to rise to a rank 
of high degree. 

Thus the General soliloquized, while Talien and 
the young officer walked leisurely away to the 
spot where only the evening before he had plead- 
ed his love and sought her hand and heart 
The trysting place is now reached, but the silver 
moon, the gay cricket, and the sweet singing 
nightingale are not there, though there are the 
glad rays of the morning sun peeping through 
the branches of the waving pine and spruce trees, 
and the glistening dew drop is yet upon the grass 


TALIEN. 


47 


and the flowers, while a soft and gentle breeze 
is stirring the leaves of “Lover’s Arbor,” wherein 
the two are now seated. He feels that she 
has brought with her a reply to his proposal 
of love, yet is fearful, but hopeful as to what it 
may be, while she is puzzled as to what to say 
and how to say it, although she has fully decided 
to accept. She sits silently and thoughtfully 
waiting for proper terms in which to express her 
thoughts and feelings, while he is becoming more 
fearful than ever that her reply will be nay. Thus 
anxiously waiting and wondering, he turns 
to her and is surprised to find that she is 
gazing toward the hotel as in a trance, her 
lips quivering and her eyes moist from tears. 
Drawing himself nigh to her and tenderly taking 
her hand, he half whispering exclaims: “Talien, 
speak out, whatever it may be, speak your heart 
frankly and freely to me.” 


48 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTER XI. 

Talien accepts the Lieutenant’s proposal. 

She now hesitatingly says with downcast looks: 
“I feel that I am not worthy of you, but as you 
think I am, I accept.” He then kissed her and 
said, ‘‘May God bless us both.” 

She had stated that five years must elapse be- 
fore their wedding bells should ring which re- 
ceived his assent. She also told him that she 
had discussed the matter with the General, of 
his advice and the fiattering terms in which he 
had spoken of him; that she herself had given 
his proposal much thought, and while it was a 
momentous one, laden as it was with much mutual 
circumspection, many self-denials and serious re- 
sponsibilities, yet she proudly, lovingly and hope- 
fully accepted. Thus having spoken, young Talien’s 
pride forsook her and she turning wept, while 
he, being much affected could not reply. Soon, 


TALIEN. 


49 


however, the thought that they were now engaged 
to each other flashed before him ; now he 
could go happily forth to wherever duty might 
call him. Thus thinking and congratulating 
himself, and noticing that Talien had recov- 
ered her feelings and was smiling, he lovingly 
and tenderly embraced her, promising to be faith- 
ful and devoted. 

The sun now being well up in the heavens, it 
was thought best to appear at the hotel, so leav- 
ing the sacred spot among the hills, they happily 
and slowly walked to where sat the General reading 
the morning paper. 

He noticed that there was a happy expression 
upon their faces; that there was a look of 
triumph and glad satisfaction upon the counte- 
nance of the young officer, while upon the part 
of Talien there was the absence of that distant 
formality that had always marked her bearing 
toward the officer, and that now in its place 
there was a degree of familiarity and smiling 
contentment. After being seated a few minutes, 


50 


TALIEN. 


the young officer proudly, gallantly and lovingly 
rose and presented Talien as his fiancee. At this 
the General stood up with becoming dignity, polite- 
ness and good nature, and advancing took the 
hand of each, saying that it was well and that 
he was glad of the news and congratulated them, 
hoping that nothing but joy and happiness would 
ever be their lot; that their every wish might be 
right and gratified; and that they would eventu- 
ally live together many years in happy wedlock. 
After thus speaking he kissed Talien and bade 
them be seated. 

Laughing and chatting for a moment, Talien ex- 
cused herself and went to her room, happy over the 
thought that she was now the fiancee of so noble and 
handsome a man, while she could but think with some 
apprehension of what might be awaiting her in the 
future; for, although comparatively young, she had 
acquired the habit from her many talks with the 
General, of looking into the future and there spec- 
ulating and anticipating. However, she would not 
invite nor look for sorrow, but rather for happiness. 


TALIEN. 


51 


At this she set her mind upon bright and 
happy things, permitting herself to contemplate 
and anticipate nothing else, and in this frame of 
mind and with her usual cheering smile, she again 
sought the glad company of the young officer who 
was yet sitting and conversing with his superior 
about military affairs and his early departure. 
She now seating herself beside her fiance gave 
him a smile and look of contentment and ad- 
miration. 

Now the General seeing and improving his 
opportunity, began to joke them a bit about 
the effect that certain things had upon the 
spirits of one, a joke which Talien skillfully 
and good naturedly parried, which caused the 
three to laugh heartily. Just then the hotel 
gong sounded the lunch hour, and the happy trio 
separated to prepare to meet again in the dining 
room. 

They are now at the table and seated, but not 
with the same degree of formality shown between 
them on former occasions, but with a deeper and 


52 


TALIEN. 


wider feeling of interest in each other. The 
dispatch from the war department and the order 
that it contained is again discussed, and is now, 
under the new circumstances considered as being 
cruel, and which would in all likelihood be count- 
ermanded if so desired and requested by the 
General. 'But upon further consideration it was 
thought best not to ask of the department any 
favors. The lunch hour being over the young 
officer suggested that Talien and he take one 
more ride among the hills, as early on the mor- 
row he must bid her farewell in response to duty. 
Now mounted on their proud and prancing bays, 
they present a picture of striking beauty as they 
ride away from the hotel among the pine trees 
of the surrounding hills happily chatting about 
the future and what they proposed to do, Talien 
seeing in her fiance new traits to admire, while 
to him she appears more beautiful than ever. 
It is evening now and the lovers have returned 
from their last fond ride among the romantic hills 
of New Hampshire. 


TALIEN. 


53 


CHAPTER XII. 

A Letter from Officer Porter. Talien and the General 
go to Paris. 

It is now almost a week since Talien bade 
her betrothed an affectionate and tearful good-by. 
Again the blight of sadness creeps over her, 
causing her cheeks to lose some of their bloom 
and har eyes to appear less sparkling. 

Now she has returned from her favorite recrea- 
tion, a ride upon her beautiful bay among the 
dreamy and romantic hills that surround the 
hotel. There she sits upon the porch attentively 
listening to the General as he points out the 
many amiable and manly qualities of the well 
bred and read young officer. He misses him, and 
expresses regret at his absence. 

Now there comes a messenger politely bow- 
ing and hands Talien a letter. Looking at 
the envelope and noticing that it was stamped 


54 


TALIEN. 


at Ft. Monroe she exclaimed: “A letter from 
officer Porter!” at the same time opening 
and eagerly perusing it. “I thought so,” 
said the General, watching her now bright and 
smiling countenance and waiting to learn what- 
ever she might choose in her own good 
time to tell him of its contents. The let- 
ter is of length, full of interesting details and 
many pleasing incidents of his journey, which are 
given in a graphic and romantic manner. It is 
also profuse in its protestations of love for her. 
However, at its closing paragraph, the smile that 
had thus far attended its reading changed to a 
shadow. There she read that upon his arrival 
at Ft. Monroe, he had been informed that his 
ship would cruise around the world. That it 
would leave in a few days and not return for at 
least a year. The General, noticing the sudden 
change, kindly said: “What now, my child?” To 
this she replied in broken accents and with moist 
eyes: “Oh! I shall not see him again for one 

whole year, and perhaps not then, for he has 


TALIEN. 


55 


been ordered to cruise around the world.” 
“Well, well,” said the General, becoming serious 
and more concerned than ever about Talien, and 
now apprehensive of the effect that such news 
might have upon her. 

After a little reflection, he, in a rollicking sort 
of way, said: “Never mind Talien, we too can 
cruise, and we will; this is now no place for us. 
In a week or so we will go back to Eacine 
There we will remain a few days, and then, at 
your pleasure, get ready and go to Italy or 
France, and finally to the Orient, where we may 
meet again your fiance. Talien, what do you 
think of the plan?” “Splendid! How thought- 
ful and kind of you, General,” she exclaimed, as 
she drew her chair nearer to him. “Did you 
say that we would go to Italy or France?” she 
asked, with a bewitching toss of her girlish and 
regal head, now rising and standing before him 
with her shapely form and in her unconscious 
but charming personality. “Yes, my dear, as 
you may choose,” he replied, seeing her features 


56 


TALIEN. 


once more aglow with delight and her eyes 
sparkling with happy fancies or anticipations. 
‘‘Well, then it shall be Paris, gay and beautiful 
Paris, the city of art, life, and fashion,” she 
promptly said. “OiBacer Porter often said that 
he wished I might go there and further study 
the art of singing under some great teacher. 
Oh! wouldn’t it be delightful if you and I 
were to go there together. I would study and 
improve myself, while you would rest, look about, 
and be my guardian. Then I would write 
the lieutenant all about it, telling him that you 
suggested it and that we possibly might meet 
him somewhere in the Orient.” 

“Well,” said the General, fondly petting Talien, 
“let it be so. We will go whenever and wherever 
you say. My age, however, will not permit me 
to attempt too much. But that is no reason 
why you, who are in the bloom of life, should 
be denied any of its reasonable pleasures or 
honors. Besides, you may become famous as a 
singer; for, Talien, you have a soul penetrating 


TALIEN. 


57 


voice, although you do not know it. Why, you 
may become as famous as Jenny Lind, who 
knows. Yes, let us go to Paris right away, 
get settled there and ready for action.” 

At this he rose and paced the porch, while 
Talien, smiling, thanked him and went to her 
room to answer the long and affectionate let- 
ter. Having finished her reply, she returned and 
read that part which referred to her Paris 
plans to the General. Now approved by him 
the letter is mailed and will reach the officer 
a day or so before his ship sails. 

The White Mountains are still as beautiful 
as ever, and all is delightful and attractive at the 
Kearsarge. But the heart and mind of Talien 
are elsewhere. It is now back to Racine and 
from thence to Paris that is uppermost in her 
mind. And as the desires of her heart rule the 
mind of the General, he, too, thinks and talks of 
nothing else. 

It is now Friday and tomorrow Talien and 
the General will return to Racine. The ‘‘Arbor 


58 


TALIEN. 


of Love” where the young officer’s proposal was 
made and accepted has been fondly visited by 
Talien for the last time, whence a flower to 
press and keep as a token of the words and 
vows there spoken and made, she has joyfully 
yet tearfully taken away with her. 

Now there is many a fond good-by said, as they 
leave the White Mountains. At the Kearsarge all 
have learned to respect the General while admiring 
and loving Talien, not simply because of her 
beauty and voice, but especially for her sweet 
and loving di position. 

’Tis night. Racine is reached and the Medillo 
mansion. Now the morning has come. Racine with 
all its surroundings is as beautiful as ever, but at 
the mansion there is a missing voice and a vacant 
chair. The lovely Mrs. Medillo who once made 
these surroundings bright and cheerful now sleeps 
and waits in yon family lot. Talien is sad again. 

The General now hastens all preparations for 
Paris. There are a few fond greetings and visits to 
(iear friends and places and then both leave Racine. 


TALIEN. 


59 


This time it is for New York and thence on to 
Paris where they safely arrive and are now 
pleasantly located in one of its fashionable 
quarters. 

Time now moves apace. The General and Talien 
have become well acquainted with the city, its 
suburbs and varied opportunities. 

But Talien has a purpose in view. She is in 
Paris to study that she may please the young 
officer and the General. She does not wish to 
disappoint either, hence she would commence 
immediately to make herself more proficient in 
the art of singing. Having learned of the most 
prominent and best teacher in the city, she has 
an interview with him and receives a card for 
rehearsals and instruction. 


60 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

Gay Paris. Talien’s Ambition. 

The summer is now ended and the delightful 
month of October has come. All Paris is gay and 
rejoicing in anticipation. As usual, preparations 
are being made for all kinds of winter sports, 
amusements and recreations, that may meet the 
fancy of the pleasure seeking Parisians or those 
that may come for study, rest, or sight-seeing. 
The art galleries are now lively with visitors 
and students. The boulevards and cafes are re- 
splendent with promenaders and those fond of 
show and fashion. Grand opera is also in full 
swing with its attractive program, while there 
are many social functions peculiar to the city of 
the world. 

Any of these Talien might attend if she would, 
being the pet and the ward of the General, who was 


TALIEN. 


61 


in Paris for her special benefit. Besides, he was pos- 
sessed of an unlimited fortune and had made 
her his only heir. Go where she might, do 
or have what she would, met with his unquali- 
fied approval. In her judgment and sense of 
propriety he had unbounded confidence. Of 
this she was aware, yet would never allow her- 
self to abuse it. On the contrary, she refiected 
well and held in check any desire that arose 
within her until she became fully advised in her 
own mind of its worth or probable conse- 
quences. This was indeed the nature of Talien. 
She was ambitious to achieve something of worth 
rather than receive the foolish praise and empty 
ajpplause of a flattering public. And yet, she was 
becoming daily conscious of her rare beauty and 
gifts; and, deplorable as it might seem, was losing 
some of her American, democratic spirit, while 
showing a tendency to court rank and royalty. 
Nor was this strange, as she was of Spanish birth 
and rank. Besides, she was surrounded by rank 
and fashion, as well as being young, stately in 


62 


TALIEN. 


appearance, and in possession of a voice of rare 
compass and touching qualities. 

It is now a little more than a year since this 
gifted Spanish beauty arrived in Paris, where 
she went to cultivate her voice with the hope 
of becoming all that her friends had prophesied. 
Again, she frequently thought of what the young 
American officer and the General had said to her, 
and how disappointed they would be if she did 
not some day become famous in the song world. 
So, being anxious to please them as well as having 
an ambition herself to rise in the scale of excel- 
lence, she had faithfully and assiduously applied 
herself to study, denying herself the recreation 
and physical exercise that was necessary to health. 
The General noticing this kindly protested. He 
suggested that she be less devoted to her studies 
for her health’s sake, reasoning that without the 
latter all else should be counted as naught. 
Again, he said: “The world was not made in a 
minute,” and that she would better take more time 
in which to accomplish her object rather than 


TALIEN. 


63 


become famous but also an invalid. To all of 
this she respectfully and thoughtfully listened and 
then said: “General, you are right, I will take 
more exercise.” 

But Talien had already acquired an enviable 
reputation as a singer, and was sought by the 
elite of society to attend its receptions, while 
her presence at royal gatherings was urged. 
These invitations were given, not for the exquisite 
voice which she was known to possess, but rather 
on account of her superior conversational powers, 
breadth of culture and grace of manners. These 
latter attractions were in themselves enough to 
win the cultivated and fastidious. The General, 
too, because of his age, rank, manners and country, 
did not detract from her social standing but rather 
served to accentuate it. 

In the meantime, while Talien was devoting her- 
self to study to the exclusion of everything else, 
an affectionate and confiding correspondence was 
passing between her and the young American 
officer, who was now with his crew and ship in 


64 


TALIEN. 


oriental waters, and who had been recently pro- 
moted to the rank of captain. This correspond- 
ence was a source of strength and inspiration to 
her as well as being very entertaining and instruct- 
ive, recounting as it did his many different expe- 
riences besides giving a vivid description of the 
numerous places that he had visited. He was 
living, waiting, and being devoted to her while 
hoping to return and be eventually united with 
her in happy wedlock. All this Talien did not 
fail to appreciate and enjoy, while thinking of how 
favored she was in being the choice of so hand- 
some, lalentel and noble an American officer. 
Confiding in what the General had said of him 
an 1 observing his special interest in the young 
Vermonter, did not lessen her pride in him. Be- 
sides, she loved the Captain dearly; hence it was 
a great pleasure to anticipate his return and to 
pracdce in the meantime the self denial that 
seemed n^'^cessary in order to accomplish all that 
he had thought she might. He too, had been 
promoted to the office of captain, with the prospect 


TALIEN. 


65 


in a short time of an additional promotion. As 
she contemplated this she was more than ever de- 
termined to do all in her power to rise and become 
an illustrious star. Her thought was to achieve 
something of w^orth. She would be an example 
of what could be done. She could not under- 
stand how one could live a life wholly of ease, 
show and frivolity, when there were such vast 
opportunities for those with talent to rise in the 
scale of achievement. Thus the spirit and teach- 
ings of Mrs. Medillo were still alive in the 
memory of Talien and were now prompting her 
to action. 


66 


TALIEN 


CHAPTER XIV. 

Prinoe Minto’s Reoeption. The General and Talien Attend. 

Talien Sings. The General is Stricken. 

Princess Careta Murata. 

It is now winter in Paris. The city is attrac- 
tive and gay. An event is later to transpire in 
which Talien, her betrothed and the General, are 
especially interested. A grand royal reception 
and banquet is to take place in one of the most 
ancient of her palaces. 

A noted oriental prince is to be received and 
entertained. European royalty and nobility of be- 
coming rank have been invited and are expected to 
be present. His arrival with his attendants will 
be a signal for a grand display of the best and 
most beautiful that the city affords. All that 
wealth, fashion and rank possess or that can be 
ob-ained will be on parade or exhibition. The 
event is to be one that will be noted and be- 
come historic. Indeed, it is to be the event of 


TALIEN. 


67 


the season. Whoever is so fortunate as to be 
among those selected to receive and ^entertain him 
will be considered especially favored. While he 
is in the city there will be practically nothing but 
feasting, sight-seeing and merriment. 

He has now come and anticipates much. Paris, 
too, will see that he shall not be disappointed. 
The boulevards, the cafes, the galleries of art, the 
churches, the halls, the gardens, and the grand 
opera; in short, all places of interest and enter- 
tainment will vie with one another to give him 
pleasure and honor. 

But an event is to transpire at the end of the 
series, just before the prince takes his departure, 
that will not only outshine but will out-rank all 
that has preceded it. At one of the ancient 
palaces, not far from the quarters of the General, 
there is to be a grand banquet, followed by a 
rare program of music and dancing. Here royalty 
and nobility, and a few distinguished foreigners 
visiting or abiding in the city, will assemble. 
Among these are the General and Talien. Her 


68 


TALIEN. 


teacher, who is a great favorite within the aristo- 
cratic and royal circles of the city, and who is one 
of the managers of the program, has urged her 
to attend, and participate in the great reception by 
appearing on its program of song. 

As was her habit, she has submitted the matter 
to the General, who has urged her to accept the 
rare honor, besides availing herself of the oppor- 
tunity of meeting the prince, mingling with royalty 
and nobility, and sharing in the festivities of 
the occasion. Besides, she might never again 
have such a chance to exhibit the soul-touching 
qualities of her charming voice. 

So much has been said to her in its favor that 
she has accepted the invitation and is now pre- 
paring for the grand event with an energy and 
enthusiasm that such a prospect would naturally 
inspire. 

But Talien needs no special preparation for 
the event. She has now been in Paris studying 
under one of the greatest masters in the song 
world for more than a year becoming well 


TALIEN. 


69 


versed in the difficulties of the art of classic 
song. There is nothing in it too difficult for 
her to undertake or master. Again her reper- 
toire is seemingly unlimited, while it includes 
some of the most difficult and classic pieces 
ever published. In fact she was thus highly 
accomplished before leaving America, having there 
received instructions from the best and most 
noted teachers. Besides, it, was her gift to 
possess a voice rare in compass, volume and 
dramatic emotion. Hence, her Paris teacher was 
more than proud of her and anxious that she 
should appear on the program, believing that 
she would reflect credit and honor upon herself 
as well as upon him, who would be known as 
her instructor. 

The General, too, was anticipating the marked 
sensation that she would create, his pride 
and interest in her voice being more than 
ordinary; and although he did not claim to be 
a connoisseur in such affairs, his judgment 
had never gone amiss. Again, how delighted 


70 


TALIEN. 


the young captain way off in the Orient would 
be to learn that she was to attend and appear 
on its song program. 

Well, she is to sing, that is settled, but 
just what, is yet to be decided. Her taste 
as well as the occasion is to be consult- 
ed; for Talien will not allow herself to sing 
anything that will simply bring a smile or re- 
ceive the applause of a promiscuous audience. 
The selection must be chaste, beautiful and 
elevating. 

And since the occasion was not strictly 
French, she was at liberty to select an aria 
of any composer. As the event will not 
occur immediately she and her master, who 
is one of the committee in charge of the program, 
are now trying to decide what she shall sing. 

After much consideration a selection is made; not, 
however, to be generally known until it appears 
that evening on the program. Talien is de- 
voting her best efforts to its proper rendition. 

And though Talien is of a robust nature, yet the 


TALIEN. 


71 


excitement attending its preparation and the fear 
that she may disappoint her friends who are 
looking forward to the event with great expect- 
ations, are beginning to show their effects upon 
the stately Spanish brunette. This being very 
noticeable to the General and her teacher, both 
are tactfully planning to divert her thoughts 
and attention to other matters, with the result 
that more out of door exercise and fresh air is 
taken, while there is less anxiety and devotion 
given to study. 

Now the General, to show his enthusiasm in 
the matter, has presented Talien with an extra 
check for $1,000 that she may purchase or order 
whatever the occasion may demand or her fancy 
dictate. This is something of a surprise to her; 
for she is already supplied with an abundance 
of ready cash: the General being a generous 
millionaire and she his pet and only heir. 
But he would have it so. His heart and 

check book went together. Besides, Talien, be- 
cause of what she had been and was to him, 


72 


TALIEN. 


unconciously controlled both his heart and purse. 

Well, the time for the great event is ap- 
proaching. The whole of Paris is unusually 
gay. All seems to be in readiness. Talien 
was never in better voice nor finer form. She 
sings like a bird, nay, an angel, while appearing 
stately and fascinating. Besides, the piece that 
she is to sing is fresh and of special beauty. 
The words and the music have been expressly 
composed for the occasion and for Talien’s voice. 
A great French poet has written the former and 
a noted Italian the latter. Both of these gen- 
tlemen have listened with rapture to her singing 
from an adjoining studio of her Paris master. 
They not only consider it a great honor but 
a rare privilege to be thus requested and 
permitted to contribute of their talents. The 
words are chaste, lyric and radiant, portraying 
Parisian gladness at the royal reception of the 
prince. 

The accompaniment and melody are well suit- 
ed to the beautiful words and to Talien’s ex- 


TALIEN. 


73 


traordinary voice and vocal attainments. Both, 
words and music, are wonderful and charming. 
In the melody there are trills, turns and runs 
that no ordinary voice would dare contend with. 
At intervals it runs wild into both the lower 
and higher registers, thus requiring a voice of 
rare compass. But Talien is equal to this, and 
what others dare not attempt she regards as 
simple. 

Now, as the General would say, all is ready 
for action. The modiste and the jeweler have 
been patronized by Talien and have done their 
part well. 

The grand event is now to take place. Every 
thing is ready to receive and honor Prince Minto. 
The avenues leading to and passing the palace are 
brilliantly lighted. Various flags are flying and 
festoons of different designs form an attraction. 
Mounted gendarmes patrol here and there about 
the palace which is delightfully situated amidst 
elaborate gardens and broad terraces. The old 
palace with its magnificent interior is begemmed 


74 


TALIEN. 


with gold and jewels and decorated with rare 
and costly garlands. It never presented a more 
striking and attractive appearance. At its por- 
tals and leading entrances well groomed and 
gallant sentinels and ushers await the coming of 
the prince and royal guests. 

They are now feasting in the banquet hall; 
a merry, happy party. The banquet is now over. 
The prince and guests have retired to another hall 
to listen to a musical program. 

On this occasion an event is to happen which 
will later cause a desperate struggle in the heart 
of Talien, It will compel her to look back 
upon her life with regret and sadness. 

Her place on the song program is now reached. 
She comes forth with self possession, grace and 
assurance. There she stands in her fascinating 
personality. Even those who came with envy 
and jealousy in their hearts, can’t but admire 
her voice as well as her stately and unassuming 
manner. The General, too, is there. Presiding 
at the piano is her master with whom Talien 


TALIEN. 


76 


has rehearsed for the occasion. Both are con- 
fident of their parts. 

She is now singing while all are listening 
to her with rapturous attention and admira- 
tion. Her phrasing, trills, turns and running 
passages, the ease with which she passes from 
one register to another, together with her 
clear articulation and excellent enunciation, show 
her to be proficient in the technic of song, 
while her lights and shades bespeak of an artis- 
tic sense and cultivated taste. Added to this is 
her soul conception and heart touching qualities 
of voice. 

Now she has finished, and in her Spanish 
beauty and American loveliness is modestly leaving 
the stage. Following her is a burst of applause 
and a waving of handkerchiefs which continue 
until she reappears. She chooses for her encore: 
“The Last Rose of Summer,” which she sings 
with so much feeling that even the prince, for- 
getting himself and the dignity of the occasion, 
stands up, salutes her and cries out: “Bravo!” 


76 


TALIEN. 


But hush! In a remote part of the hall there 
is a great commotion; one is being tenderly 
borne away to an adjoining room in a condition 
of insensibility. 

Talien’s song was the last number on the pro- 
gram. She has now returned and is seeking 
the General. She finds that it was he who was 
stricken at the close of her encore and that he 
is lying unconscious in an adjoining room. 
Thither she hastens and there finds him sur- 
rounded by a physician and assistants. 

Bending over him and weeping while bathing 
his brow and temples is a woman of extraordinary 
appearance. She is tall, slender and beautiful. 
Talien looks about anxiously, at the same time 
informing those present of her relation to him. 
She desires to know what has happened and 
what she can do to aid them. Prince Minto, 
also, comes forward politely offering to render 
any assistance that may be required of him. 

After a time the General rallies and is re- 
moved to his own quarters, attended by Talien 


TALIEN. 


77 


and his nurse who are near to administer to 
his needs. 

At the old palace the gay and royal party 
are dancing or sitting about discussing Talien 
and her singing. But the hour is growing late. 
The prince and royalty have departed. The 
lights at the palace are out. Where but a 
little while ago there were feasting, dancing, mirth 
and music, there is now only quiet and darkness. 
Now the prince and his attendants leave the city 
and Paris again resumes her usual appearance. 

But memory and gossip are still alive and active 
to create joy or sorrow, laughter or tears. Talien 
has sung, been admired and praised. She was 
the admiration of the prince, royalty and nobility. 
Yes, she was the 'star of the program, shining with 
a dazzling lustre. She has reflected credit alike 
upon her teacher and those who contributed the 
words and the music. 

But who was the strange and beautiful woman 
whom Talien found bending over the General 
and weeping while bathing his brow and temples? 


78 


TALIEN. 


And why did he appear so surprised and yet glad 
to see her? Again, upon his partial recovery at 
the palace, why did he grasp her hand and call 
her Careta? And why was she to call the fol- 
lowing day to see and inquire after him? Why 
this unseemly concern and familiarity? These 
questions were teasing and puzzling Talien. 
However, she would abide the proper time for 
their explanation. She would not, for the pres- 
ent, gratify her curiosity, possibly at the expense 
of the General’s life; for he was in no condition 
to be excited. Besides, her confidence in him 
was such that she felt assured that all was 
proper whatever and however it might be; so, she 
patiently and lovingly waited. 

Now the night has departed and the morning 
has come. It is nearly noon. The General is 
sleeping while Talien is near watching. A serv- 
ant taps at the door of the sick room bringing 
a card. It arouses the General; he reads it and 
requests that she who waits in the parlor be 
shown to his room. Talien is present standing 


TALIEN. 


79 


and looking out upon the boulevard toward the 
ancient palace where but the night before so 
much had occurred that was mystifying and dis- 
tracting. Now comes a second tap at the door. 
Talien opens it. There stands the strange and 
beautiful woman that was bending and weeping 
over the General. Talien bids her welcome and 
shows her to the General’s room. There she 
affectionately greets him, while he is not less 
demonstrative. 

Then a scene transpires which shocks Talien. 
She is told that the strange woman is her 

own mother; that the General is her foster 

father; that she was born in Spain at the city 
of Madrid; that her birth and blood are royal; 
that her own mother, the strange woman, is a Span- 
ish princess with estates and titles to which 

Talien is the only heir. 

Talien is now bewildered. She looks at the Gen- 
eral and then at the strange woman. She wonders 
whether he has lost his mind. Then she fancies her- 
self in a dream, or being trifled with. Her mind now 


TALIEN. 


80 

wanders back to Kacine and the White Moun- 
tains. Then she faints and is placed upon a 
couch. When she revives the strange and beauti- 
ful woman is at her side with her fascinating 
smile. 

Ah! Talien, with all the gifts that nature has 
bestowed upon you, with your beautiful and 
graceful figure, your charming personality, rare 
voice and sweet disposition, you are not to be 
envied. You are, certainly, a child of sorrow 
and acquainted with grief. Such seems to have 
been your lot from birth. 

But what of the mysterious and beautiful 
woman with her fascinating smile now at the 
couch of Talien and gazing out of the window? 
Can not this mystery be cleared away? Is she, 
in fact, the mother of Talien, and a Spanish 
princess? How strange that she, Talien, has not 
been informed of this before now. Why has it 
been so long hidden from her? These and many 
other surmises perplex and disturb the mind of 
Talien as she lies upon the couch looking into 


TALIEN. 


81 


the doorway of the room where the General is 
in a comatose state and then into the beautiful 
face of her mother who is sitting there in a 
wondering, confused and embarrassed manner. 

It was a mere accident that she was at the 
reception and seated not far from the General 
when he was stricken, and had followed him 
with others into an adjoining room to administer 
to his needs, unconscious of his identity. Nor 
did she know that the one who was singing so 
inspiringly was her own daughter. In fact, it 
was Talien’s singing and the memories that her 
encore: “The Last Rose of Summer” awakened, 

that caused the General to be so affected. 

But hark! A moan! A call is heard coming 
from the room of the sick. Now the princess 
and Talien rush in and find the General dying. 
In haste a physician is summoned, but before he 
arrives life is extinct. He who for many years 
has been such a friend to Talien is dead. 
Mother and daughter now forget the mystery in 
the midst of their common affliction. The re- 


82 


TALIEN. 


mains of the dead with military honors are 
forwarded to America, where they are finally laid 
away with befitting ceremonies and honors by the 
side of Mrs. Medillo in the family lot at Racine. 
Talien would be present but she lies prostrate in 
Paris, where she is being tenderly cared for by 
her own mother. Between them, in this their 
hour of affliction, a bond of sympathy and love 
springs up and grows into devotion; Talien’s 
mother. Princess Murata, having many of the 
graces that Mrs. Medillo possessed, make their 
assimilation naturally easy. 

Several months have now passed, during which 
the mother of Talien has been her constant and 
devoted attendant. Having now recovered she is 
journeying to Madrid, her native city, with her 
mother, the Spanish princess. There Talien visits 
the grand old castles and places of interest, partially 
forgetting her past trials and losses while basking 
in the regal splendor of the city of her birth and 
receiving the admiration, attention and praise of 
Spanish royalty. 


TALIEN. 


83 


Receptions are now given in her honor at the 
Murata palace; and she soon becomes a favorite at 
the Spanish court, where she is introduced with 
becoming favor. In the meantime her mother, 
the princess, admires and feels proud of her, and 
is now laying plans for her future marriage. 

Talien, however, still loves and is devoted 
to ^ her American fiance with whom she fre- 
quently corresponds. She has informed him of 
her Paris triumphs and of the manner in which 
she was received. Also of the sickness and death 
of the General and all the circumstances connected 
therewith. She has told him of the Spanish 
princess and of her own sickness in Paris; of the 
kind nursing that she had received; of her 
going to Spain, and of her visit and reception 
at the Murata palace. To this letter she is now 
waiting a reply. 

But Talien. although attractive, accomplished 
and beautiful, was not more than human. She was 
fond of admiration, attention and praise. And, in 
order to obtain these, her heart and reason 


84 


TALIEN. 


were apt to be in error or go astray. This, Mrs. 
Medillo had frequently noticed, and warned 
her against the evil tendencies or possible con- 
sequences of such. She advised against the 
company of those who lived simply for the 
gratification of such feelings rather than allow- 
ing them to serve as a stimulant. And while 
Talien would not acknowledge that she was in- 
ordinately vain, yet the spirit of vanity often 
controlled and spurred her on to action. It 
frequently prompted her ambition, though she 
was unconscious of it, causing her to make a 
sacrifice that she afterward regretted. And now 
she was in an atmosphere that was especially 
fitted to excite this spirit. A Spanish nature; 
a Spanish mother; and a Spanish court, were now 
influencing her young heart and romantic mind. 


TALIEN. 


85 


CHAPTER XV. 

Prince de Val a Rival. Princess Murata’s Letter 
to Talien. 

A year is now past. Talien with her mother 
has been receiving or being received in the 
royal city of Madrid. She has become a noted, 
yes, a famous singer. Marked and flattering, in- 
deed, has been the attention and praise that she 
has received. This is particuliarly true of a 
Spanish prince who has heard her sing and ad- 
mired her voice and beauty. He, too, has a 
fine and cultivated voice. They frequently sing 
duets together, receiving the applause of Talien’s 
mother and admiring friends. 

The prince is now in love with Talien, and 
through her mother seeks her hand and heart, 
although he is informed that she is engaged to 
an American navy officer. 

He has become so well acquainted with Talien 


86 


TALIEN. 


and interested in her, that he now desires to know 
more of the particulars of her birth and long ab- 
sence from Spain, as well as where and with whom 
she has been stopping in America. Besides, he 
desires to know how much money she has. These 
questions have been asked with so much Spanish 
ardor and cunning that Talien cannot well refuse 
to answer them. Hence, mother and daughter are 
now in a sort of dilemma. Talien asks again for 
information and receives a promise that in the 
morning she shall have a written answer. This 
she finds on a table in her boudoir, which reads 
as follows: 


The Murata Palaoe. 

Madrid, 18 — 


My Dear Daughter, Talien: 

Before, and many times since we left Paris, you have 
urged me to reveal the mystery that caused you so much 
trouble and illness prior to the death of General Medillo, 
and that has, since that sad event, been a source of so 
much chagrin and embarrassment to us both. This is 


TALIEN. 


87 


particularly true since we arrived at Madrid, where every- 
body has known me for years. 

It may have seemed to you, whom I love and admire, 
as though I felt ashamed to acknowledge you as my 
child. Nay, nay, believe me, it is not true. For more 
than a year I have neglected, for good reasons — as they 
seemed to me — to comply with your natural and oft re- 
peated request. But rest assured that I have not for one 
moment forgotten it. And I now choose this way of 
relating it, that you may preserve it, if you so choose, 
for future use; and thus have it in my own hand writing. 

Now, before revealing the mystery, let me here say 
that you are my only child, and as such will inherit my 
estates and titles. That I am Princess Careta Murata; 
and you, although known and called in America, Talien 
Careta Medillo, were, in reality, named by me and christ- 
ened Talien Careta Murata. This will appear in a 
letter dated at Madrid some twenty years ago, which I 
locked up in my safe in the palace and which I will 
show to you. This letter was signed by General Medillo 
in person and by him delivered to me. He was then at 
Madrid with his American wife. With him, your father. 
Prince Henrico Murata, and myself wore well acquainted. 

Well, the mystery, if such it be, is briefly this: When 
I was very young and a princess I admired and loved 


88 


TALIEN. 


your father. To him, for good reasons, I was secretly 
married at Rome, as the records at the Vatican in that 
city will show, while the original papers which you are 
at liberty to inspect, are now locked up with other valu- 
ables in a safe within the palace. Your father then was 
but twenty-five years old, a handsome and brave officer, 
a son of the king of Spain and in his service. His 
command was ordered to the front in a foreign war, 
where he was killed upon the battle field. 

Well, about a year after our marriage and just before 
his death you were born. At the time of your birth 
circumstances and Spanish customs were such, that I was 
urged, nay, almost commanded, to give you into the keep- 
ing of General and Mrs. Medillo. They agreed to adopt 
you as their own child and never divulge to you or 
anybody else anything to the contrary. 

Well, in the course of time the estates and titles of 
your father were adjusted and proclaimed; the Murata 
Palace in which we now live being one of them. Since 
then I have had many offers of marriage, but my love 
for your father was so great that I preferred to remain 
single. 

Not having heard from General nor Mrs. Medillo since 
they left Madrid, and not having seen you since you 
were only a few months old, and having heard that you 


TALIEN. 


89 


were dead; these facts and other circumstances in the 
case, caused me to make no inquiries about you. 

It was by the merest accident that I happened to be 
in Paris at the final reception of Prince Minto, where I 
heard your soul stirring voice. While I was rapturously 
listening to your singing and admiring your demeanor, 
one sitting next to me remarked that you resembled me 
so much that were it not for your youth she would think 
that you were I. Such was her compliment. 

But imagine my surprise when I found that he who was 
stricken only a few seats back of me was General 
Medillo, whom I had not seen nor heard from for nearly 
twenty years. Again, I was more than surprised when he 
looked up and called me Careta. 

As to what followed I need not repeat. You heard 
what he said about you being my own daughter, which 
is true; although at the time you could not understand 
it. These facts with the records and his letter of which I 
have spoken and which you shall see, attest. 

I shall always feel grateful to both the General and 
Mrs. Medillo for the kindness and care they have shown 
you as well as the interest they have taken in you. Oh, 
what strange and sad things happen in this life! 

By the way, I understand that the General's estate has 
been probated; and that you are the sole heir to his 


90 


TALIEN. 


millions. Talien, this inheritance is not necessary, and 
can only serve as a memento, since we have not only free 
estates in abundance, but are also rich in titles. And 
you know, — or should know, — that a Spanish title means 
something. 

Now my daughter, if there is anything that I have 
neglected or forgotten to mention, you will please speak 
to me about it in your usual frank way, and I will try 
to make it clear. 

Lovingly, your mother, 

Pkincbss Oareta Murata. 

Talien read this letter eagerly and carefully. 
To her it all seemed natural and plausible. 
She had now been in Spain and in the com- 
pany of Spanish royalty and nobility for more 
than a year. Her vanity was such that she 
exceedingly enjoyed the admiration, attention and 
praise bestowed upon her. Besides, the ways of 
royalty and nobility, at her age and state of 
mind, appealed to her more than did the demo- 
cratic ways of America. Now that she was no 
longer under the influence of the deep and 


TALIEN. 


91 


humane philosophy o£ General Medillo, but was 
altogether under that of the antiquated philosophy 
of a fast fading and oppressive monarchy, degen- 
erate Spain, besides being daily in the company 
and under the influence of her mother. Princess 
Murata, it was not strange that Talien should now 
look at life from a Spanish point of view. 

As to her birth and absence from Spain and 
in order to satisfy the nimble tongues of idle 
gossip that would wag, she and her mother soon 
found it convenient and best to say, with as 
few particulars as possible, that she had been 
away since a babe with dear friends in America, 
and later had been a student in Paris. 


92 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTEE XVI. 

Prince de Val and Princess Murata. Talien’s Letter 
to Commodore Porter. The Commodore’s 
Answer. Princess Murata’s View of • 
an American. 

Now time moves along, Talien becoming more 
Spanish than ever. She being fond of admiration 
and flattery finds them easily obtained in Spanish 
circles and at royal functions. Her mother, with 
Spanish cunning and grace, influences her to heed 
the wooing of Prince de Val, who is tall, hand- 
some and entertaining, with a fine tenor voice in 
a state of high cultivation. He is frequently 
at the palace where he is gladly received by the 
princess and pleasantly entertained by Talien. 

As the days pass his visits there are more 
frequent, and he becomes more aggressive in his 
attentions. The princess, too, praises his Spanish 
ancestors, estates and titles, while deriding Amer- 
ica, its simplicity, democracy and altruistic spirit. 


TALIEN. 


93 


To her, the highest office that an American can 
hold under his form of government is not equal 
to a common citizenship under a Spanish mon- 
archy. Talien hears this and finally believes that 
it is true. Being young and easily influenced, 
she is getting to regard her American fiance with 
disfavor, while Prince de Val, with the assistance 
of the princess, becomes an ardent rival. 

Talien is now changed. She, while enjoying 
herself with Spanish royalty and receiving the 
fulsome praise that it has bestowed upon her, 
has forgotten the warnings of Mrs. Medillo. Alas! 
her head is turned, while her heart has become 
calloused with praise. Moreover, she only now 
and then hears from her American lover, while 
Prince de Val is daily singing his romantic songs 
or pleading his love at her side. The princess, 
too, looks on with favor, while aiding him in his 
suit for her daughter’s heart. A royal ancestry 
with its titles, is, in her mind, of greater im- 
portance than anything else. She would have 
Talien neglect and finally abandon him to whom 


94 


TALIEN. 


she had given her deliberate answer and promise 
of devotion in “Lover’s Arbor” among the green 
hills of New Hampshire. He, to be sure, was 
brave and handsome, and stood high as a man 
among men, and as an officer of the American 
navy, with an assurance of rapid promotion; 
but then, how small and insignificant were these 
when compared with royalty and its titles — and 
especially the latter. Thus, Prince de Val on 
the one side, and the princess on the other, 
harassed, beguiled, and led astray the mind of 
Talien. 

Now more than ever she needed the advice 
and influence of General Medillo: Talien who 
was yet but a mere child. However, her 
mother, with whom she had been daily associat- 
ed for more than a year, together with the 
gay and fascinating Prince deVal, finally caused 
her heart to turn away from the gallant Cap- 
tain, and to look with favor upon his rival. 
Therefore, her fiance’s letters were not so prompt- 
ly answered as formerly, and when they were. 


T ALIEN. 


95 


did not glow with affection, but were simply 
formal. The young captain noticed this, which 
together with the news that had reached him of 
his rival’s attentions, aroused his suspicions. 
Hence, he wrote to Talien and asked her for an 
explanation. She showed the letter to her 
mother, who had now become her confidant, and 
was advised to answer it in a spirit of disdain, 
saying that such became the rank of Talien. 

Talien, now thoroughly imbued with what she 
considered the importance of her social position 
and rank, as well as feeling independent in her 
inheritance of the Medillo wealth and the pro- 
spective estates and titles that would descend to 
her at the death of her mother; also the wooing 
of Prince de Val, was not in a mood to be 
questioned or dictated to as she had been by 
her fiance. So, after waiting and debating in 
her mind as to what she would better write in 
answer to his letter, she reached the conclusion 
that it were best to say as little as possible 
about the visits of the prince and his walks 


96 


TALIEN. 


with her. So, she acknowledged its receipt 
in rather a chilly and brief way, barely refer- 
ring (in an injured manner), to that part in which 
the name of Prince de Val was disagreeably men- 
tioned. The spirit of her reply was particularly 
self-important and haughty. It showed an in- 
dependence and indifference that officer Porter 
did not admire, and which was entirely foreign 
to the nature that he had always believed Talien 
to possess. 

Now referring to a copy of his letter to her, he 
could find in it nothing to merit such a formal 
and chilly reply. In it he had simply written 
what he had heard about the prince’s attentions 
to her and suggested that she be cautious, while 
asking for an explanation of the true situation. 
This request he thought she would gladly comply 
with, provided she loved him as he did her. 
Hence, her answer was a puzzle. Moreover, 
while he was thus reasoning there came to him 
another letter which was anything but compli- 
mentary to Prince de Val. This, coupled with 


TALIEN. 


97 


the one from Talien, served to make the young 
officer more indignant, jealous and suspicious. 
So, without delay he answered her curt and 
haughty letter, kindly demanding the information 
requested. This one she also showed to her 
mother, who now saw an opportunity to offend 
Talien’s American lover and advance the cause 
of the prince. Therefore, she advised Talien to 
“nip the matter in the bud,” saying that the 
young officer was evidently a suspicious, jealous 
and dictatorial person, and that she would never 
be happy with him. She also said that it was 
fortunate that his disposition had* thus early been 
discovered, and that the only safe way for Talien 
was to drop him at once. This, to the Spanish 
spirit of her daughter seemed just and proper; 
besides, not having seen the captain for some 
time it was easy for her to be prejudiced, and 
to believe what her mother said of him. So, 
she was influenced to entertain the thought that 
he had become weary of her; that he had prob- 
ably given his heart to another and was making 


98 


TALIEN. 


this an excuse to rid himself of her. This 
voice, in its motive like that of Shakespeare’s 
Tago,’ had its effect. Talien now wrote to her 
fiance in the Orient a bitter letter in which she 
cancelled her engagement to him. This he re- 
ceived and read in a spirit of indignation and 
sorrow, but in a philosophic mood. He thought 
it was, perhaps, better thus. So, after a few days 
when his grief and indignation had abated, he 
replied to it in respectful and manly terms, saying 
that he still loved her; would never forget her; 
that she was henceforth free from her vows; and 
that he should not write again unless she would 
so desire. He also informed her that he hav- 
ing been promoted to the high rank of Commo- 
dore, with a leave of absence in which he should 
visit America, it gave him great pleasure to sign 
his name: Commodore Porter of the U. S. N. 

This letter Talien received and read to her 
mother, who now exercised over her daughter a 
complete influence. She did not realize that she 
was playing the part of Tago’ to further the de- 


TALIEN. 


99 


signs of Prince de Val, the rival. Vain but 
beautiful Talien, now in her Spanish pride and 
indignation, goes to her boudoir and writes to 
the recently made Commodore an acknowledgement 
of the receipt of his letter. But her heart for- 
bids her to upbraid him, so she simply wishes 
him in a perfunctory manner success in all his 
undertakings and much happiness. In this strain 
she writes, little realizing what awaits her, and 
closes her letter with a formal adieu. Then she 
reads it to her mother whose approval and 
praise she receives, while she points out to Talien 
her exalted rank, social position, estates and titles. 

Princess Murata, being familiar with the Con- 
stitution of the United States and its provisions as 
to titles and emoluments, is now severe in decry- 
ing the American citizen, saying that whatever he 
may be or know, or whatever office he may hold 
under his democratic form of government, from an 
Oriental and European point of view, he should 
be looked upon — not having a title — as being but 
a little better than a plebeian. Talien, now re- 


100 


TALIEN. 


tiring to her room, sheds a few tears and then 
mails the letter, which is now speeding its way 
toward the Orient, while she is at the palace in 
a distracted state of mind. Prince de Val is 
there attentive and watchful while the princess 
is seeking to please and entertain both. 


TALIEN. 


101 


CHAPTER XVII. 

Prince de Val, the Commodore and Talien. Death 
of Princess Murata. Talien^s Marriage to 
Prince de Val Postponed, then 
Cancelled. 

The situation for the prince is now growing 
brighter, causing him to renew his attentions to 
Talien with more ardor than ever, at the same 
time receiving fresh encouragement from Princess 
Murata, who would further his designs upon the 
affections of her daughter. 

Months have now passed since Talien’s letter 
cancelling her engagement to the Commodore was 
mailed. Meanwhile, Prince de Val has wooed 
and won her. They are now engaged and she is 
waiting for her remittances to come from the 
Medillo estate before ordering her wedding trous- 
seau and preparing for the nuptial trip upon the 
continent. 

It is now Sunday moyning at Madrid. The 


102 


TALIEN. 


bells are calling to church and worship. A 
scream and dull thud is heard coming from the 
avenue on which the palace is situated and 
where a crowd is gathered. Talien and the 
Prince who are waiting for the princess to ap- 
pear rush out to see what it all means; when, 
lo! they there behold the princess lying dead 
upon the stone pavement. She, in some inex- 
plicable manner, had fallen out of the window. 
Her body is now borne into the palace, and, after 
lying there in state a few days, is buried with 
royal honors. 

Ill the course of time the estate and titles of the 
deceased are probated and settled. There is a 
will which makes Talien the only heir and execu- 
trix of the estate. She is now by right Prin- 
cess Murata. 

Now, as executrix, it became necessary for her 
to look after these things. It so happened that 
a young American lawyer was stopping at Madrid, 
who was attending to some business for Talien and 
in whose judgment and advice she had great con- 


TALIEN. 


103 


fidence. And since she was without a mother 
and felt the want of some one other than Prince 
de Val to advise her about her business and pri- 
vate affairs, she went to the lawyer and consulted 
him. 

This resulted in an indefinite postponement of 
the wedding; an investigation into the life of the 
prince and his financial standing. It was found 
that he had been leading a dissipated and dis- 
solute life; that his estates and income were 
mortgaged for more than their value. His title 
as prince was found to be genuine, but its bearer 
was held by the worthy to be of no account. He 
was also known to deceive and prey upon the 
credulity and vanity of weak women. 

This report being laid before Talien shocked 
her. She now regretted that she had not taken 
the precaution to make inquiries about him be- 
fore going so far. But what had been done 
could not now in its entirety be undone. In 
the future, however, she would be more careful. 
Then, again, it might be that she was misinformed 


104 


TALIEN. 


about the Prince; therefore, she would not act 
hastily, as she had in the case of the Commodore, 
but would wait and further verify the report. 


TALIEN. 


105 


CHAPTER XVIIL 

Talien Leaves Madrid. She Visits Paris and America. 

Leaves Prince de Val. 

Talien now being ill, a change of scenery and 
circumstances is advised. So, leaving her in- 
terests with the young American lawyer, and 
accompanied by her elderly trusted maid serv- 
ant, she departs for Paris, where she locates 
in a section of the city somewhat remote from 
the scenes of her former life. There she re- 
mains a short time and then leaves for the 
Highlands of Scotland, where she seeks relief 
from her past troubles. While in Paris she 
visited the ancient palace where the royal func- 
tion was held and where she met Prince 
Minto; also the room where she first saw her 
mother, the princess; besides the place where 
General Medillo and she had spent so many 
happy days and which had been destroyed by 


106 


TALIEN. 


fire. These scenes now seemed like a dream to 
her. 

These memories were depressing; and, as they 
rose up before her gay Paris appeared gloomy. 
Hence, she left for the Highlands hoping to 
get relief from her distracted state of mind. 
But her thoughts were turned toward America, 
whither she proceeded with her maid, going 
directly to Kacine, but not as formerly to the 
Medillo mansion, for that had been sold and 
was being occupied by another. However, she 
visits it, roams over its fields and picks a fioTver, 
casting a sigh as she looks upon the beautiful 
waters of Lake Michigan. Then, as the thoughts 
of her happy childhood spring up before her 
and all that has since occurred to disturb or 
destroy her happiness, she sits down and weeps; 
while the waves of the lake, as if to mock her, 
play at her feet. 

Talien, now free from Spanish infiuences and 
once more in a country where the atmosphere 
of liberty and democracy ig breathed and fully 


TALIEN. 


107 


appreciated, keenly feels the irretrievable and sad 
mistakes she had unwittingly made. But she 
reproaches none but herself. She now realizes 
that Prince de Val imposed upon her mother 
and herself; that were it not that she chanced 
to consult the young lawver, things might have 
been worse. 

The breezes of the lake and its shore-beat- 
ing waves were still as romantic and capti- 
vating as in the past; but how changed and 
sad all now did seem! Oh, if she were only a 
child again nestling in the arms of Mrs. Medillo. 
How sweet ifc was to be caressed, loved and wisely 
advised! Such scenes and memories with those of 
the White Mountains appeared before her like 
phantoms to haunt and sadden her spirit. Her 
experiences in Paris and in Spain were now be- 
fore her in all their varied colors as she con- 
templated life, its romances and follies, and tried 
to come to a just decision as to what she ought 
to do in the future. 

That which seemed to vex her the most was 


108 


TALIEN. 


her treatment of Commodore Porter. What could 
or should she do in justice to him and herself? 
As to the prince she was fully determined. In 
fact she had not answered his last letter which 
was exceedingly sentimental and sickening in its 
praise of her. She saw a great difference be- 
tween his letters and those from Officer Porter, 
whom she still admired and loved. Besides, 
she Avas still wondering what the Commodore’s 
thoughts and feelings might be towards her. 

While thus meditating and speculating, she 
received a letter from the American Consul at 
Madrid, complying with her request before she 
left that city, which was that a further and 
perfectly reliable investigation be made and 
furnished her as soon as possible as to the 
character and past life of Prince de Val. Upon 
opening it she finds that its report of the Prince 
is even worse than that furnished by her lawyer. 

Her Spanish ire is now aroused. She feels 
more than ever the rascally manner in which she 
and her mother were imposed upon. The name 


TALIEN. 


109 


of Prince de Val now grates upon her ear. 
She regards him as the source of her greatest 
loss, nay, as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing seeking 
whom he may devour.” In this frame of mind 
and resting assured that she has been correctly 
informed about him, she mails him a letter in 
which she tells him of her discovery, and that 
he need never expect to see or hear from her 
again. She now goes to the post-office and 
registers it, not being disposed to trust it to 
another. While there she gets a letter from her 
lawyer at Madrid, saying that he had closed the 
estate of her mother; that her title as heiress of 
Princess Oareta Murata had been confirmed, and 
asking for instructions about her revenues and 
the Palace Murata. 

Now there is one thing that Talien has fully 
determined, which is, that she will never return 
to Madrid to live. She may in the future go 
there to visit the grave of her mother, but unless 
her presence is needed for business purposes 
she will never again take up her abode there. 


110 


TALIEN. 


She looks back upon her life there and its 
foibles with horror and regret. Oh! if she 
could but restore the past, could but live her 
life over, how differently she would act under 
similar circumstances. But then, as that could 
not be, she would henceforth act more wisely 
than in the past. To her great loss and sorrow 
there was one lesson that she had learned well, 
and that was, to investigate that she might know 
the right before acting. 


TALIEN. 


Ill 


CHAPTER XIX. 

Talien Meditates. She Goes to the White Mountains. 

Taliena, the Commodore’s Daughter. Talien 
Leaves for Canada. , 

Years now have flown and in their flight have 
wrought many changes. Talien, once so romantic, 
vain and easily beguiled by those whom she 
loved and trusted, has drunk from the bitter cup 
of bereavement and disappointment. As to this, 
the moss covered monuments and floral bedecked 
graves at Racine and Madrid will testify. Again, 
Cupid, while her heart was young and tender, had 
laid siege to it in ‘‘Lover’s Arbor” and won. Yet, 
because of her folly, he, whose wife she should 
now be, was married to another. 

True, she was Princess Talien Murata, with 
fame and millions at her command. She might, 
if she would, live in the Murata palace or in 
any other city, and there, because of her rank. 


112 


TALIEN. 


beauty, accomplishments and millions, be received 
and gorgeously entertained. 

She was, therefore, possessed of what many a 
heart might long for in order to be happy. 
But Talien was so constituted that these did 
not appeal to her. And yet, she did not eschew 
them, but gave them their true place and value. 

She had been courted, flattered and deceived 
by the sons of royalty to her great and unre- 
mitting sorrow. But now, being more mature, 
she could look back and reflect, whereas she once 
looked forward in hope and anticipation. 

As she thus meditated, there arose in her mind 
the following question: Where should she go and 
what ought to be her mission in life? One thing 
she would never do, and that was — marry. She 
had truly loved but one and given him her heart. 
He was now, through her own fault, married to 
another. Yes, she would always hold dear and 
cherish in her memory. Commodore Porter. 

As to what she should do, there now seemed to 
be but one of two things. She might become a 


TALIEN. 


113 


nun or a missionary. The former, however, 
seemed to appeal the stronger to her. She had 
already visited the most beautiful parts of the 
world and received marked attention and praise. 
But Talien has gathered wisdom and prudence 
which now serves to hold her heart and mind in 
check, so that she is no longer easily deceived by 
the praise and glamour of the mighty. 

Talien is now, for a few days, staying at the 
Kearsarge. The favorite bay, that she used to 
ride by the side of the Commodore in their 
morning excursions among the pines and spruces 
of New Hampshire, is still there and appears to 
recognize her. Neither time nor her wanderings 
and experiences abroad have hardened her heart. 
She now feels more deeply than ever her losses. 

Again she visits “Lover’s Arbor,” where at 
twilight’s hour she sits alone and weeps. All 
that transpired there between the Commodore 
and herself now repeats itself. The beautiful 
hills, rides, drives and walks, seen in all direc- 
tions, are still attractive; but the General and 


114 


TALIEN. 


the Commodore have gone forever. Now only 
memories of joys that were but that will never 
return spring up before her. 

Again she sees the handsome face and com- 
manding figure of the Commodore; hears his fond 
voice; feels his tender touch and loving embrace, 
as she blushingly accepts his love. Yes, these 
memories sadden Talien. She now picks a flower 
to press and place in her book of remembrance; 
then, taking one more look at the “Arbor” and its 
surroundings, she bids it in sorrow a final fare- 
well. 

The day following, while leisurely walking 
toward the hotel, she met a little girl some three 
or four years old, with features so beautiful that 
she stopped and inquired her name. The little 
girl, looking up into the face of the princess 
and smiling, said: “My name i^ Taliena.” This 
was a great surprise for the princess, who further 
inquired of the child her papa’s name. Prompted 
by her attendant, the child replied that her name 
was Taliena Porter, and that her papa was Com- 


TALIEN. 


115 


modore Porter of the United States Navy. This 
so affected the princess that she nearly fainted, 
and would had it not been that her curiosity and 
interest were so greatly excited that they acted as 
a preventive. 

The young attendant, with the little girl, in- 
formed the princess that Mrs. Porter had just 
arrived at the hotel, where they would remain 
a few weeks. She also said that the Commo- 
dore was in Washington on business and that he 
was expected to join them at any moment. 

. Seeing in the face, figure and ways of the 
child a strong resemblance to the Commodore, 
the princess learned upon further inquiry, when, 
where and to whom he was married. She also 
ascertained that the Porters resided at their an- 
cestral home, not far from Rutland, Vermont. 

This was a great surprise to the princess. 
That another, no matter how beautiful and lovely 
she might be, was the wife of him to whom she 
had once given her heart and still loved ; to 
whom she had been once engaged, but without 


116 


TALIEN. 


any cause had discarded for a worthless prince, 
filled her heart with bitter remorse. Yet, she 
was glad if the Commodore had met one with 
whom he was happy. No, she was not jealous 
but sad. In the future she would show her 
continued love for him through her attentions to 
his beautiful little daughter. “What a beautiful 
child! I must have her picture. The Commo- 
dore must have thought of me when the little 
girl was named; for it was I whom he sought 
and to whom he gave his heart in “Lover’s 
Arbor.” Thus thought Talien as she passed on 
and reached the hotel porch where she sat gaz- 
ing into the distance. 

She now thought of the changes that time had 
worked in the past years. The General and the 
Commodore who used to wait for her with their 
pleasant greetings were not there. Ah, she 
could not remain longer but would depart in the 
morning. Besides, the Commodore, whom she 
would not meet under the circumstances, was 
liable to arrive at any moment; although she 


TALIEN. 


117 


longed to have a private interview with him in 
which she might explain all and ask his forgive- 
ness. Perhaps in the future this privilege she 
might enjoy. 

She now orders her meals sent to her room 
deciding to leave at an early hour the following 
day for Canada, where she would, for a time at 
least, seek repose from what seemed to her a 
cruel world. Yes, she would withdraw from its 
vanity, deception and treachery, to a convent, 
where she would try to live down her past by 
living a life of simplicity and serving in a true 
altruistic spirit. It was her desire, however, to 
see little Taliena once more before she left, 
although she would not meet Mrs. Porter. So, 
it happened that the young child and her at- 
tendant were walking through the corridors of 
the hotel when they met the princess. The 
child, recognizing her, smiled and stopped. At 
this, the princess, begging the pardon of the 
child’s attendant, took little Taliena in her arms, 
kissing and hugging her again and again, while 


118 


TALIEN. 


scanning her features for traces of the Commo- 
dore. Such was the passionate love that she 
bore him. 

In the morning she departs with a sigh for 
the Canadian city of Montreal, with a heart dis- 
appointed and disconsolate. Life to her has 
been other than what she had in her youth 
dreamed and pictured. There was a time when 
the tree of hope and promise contained for her 
beautiful blossoms, but the severe storms of 
death and delusion had swept over it, leaving 
for her in its wake naught but sad remembrances 
mingled with bitter remorse. Now she would 
seek seclusion from a world which had been to 
her so deceitful and treacherous. True, she was 
yet young with estates and titles, but the latter 
were nothing compared to what she had lost. 


TALIEN. 


119 


CHAPTER XX. 

Talien on Titles. Letters Awaiting* Her. She Enters 
a Nunnery, Talien and Mother Superior. 

How empty now sounded the title of princess. 
What was a title, after all, by the side of true 
love, peace and contentment? Had she not ex- 
perienced the deception and worthlessness that 
the former might carry and that fine clothes 
covered? Had she not listened to the song of 
the deceitful siren and in her youthful vanity 
cast aside a noble love for a worthless prince? 
Was not true love in a hovel or cottage prefer- 
able to its opposite with a title in a palace? 
True, to emerge from the latter, have rich estates 
and a noble, manly prince for a husband, were 
desirable; yet, to seek them and them only, what 
folly. They in themselves could not make one 
happy. It was far better to be the companion 
of an honest and just heart, than of one false, 


120 


TALIEN. 


heartless, worthless, or base. Ah! too much value 
was placed upon title and royalty. Yes, there 
were many that fawned and worshiped at the 
feet of these in order to please their vanity or 
gain place and power. 

These were a few of the thoughts and reflec- 
tions that haunted the brain of Princess Talien. 
Yes, she would rest awhile, study the situation, 
settle up her affairs, and then go into some 
cloister, there to live an altruistic life, and con- 
template. 

On arriving at the city of Montreal, Talien 
found several letters awaiting her. One of these 
was from the young lawyer at Madrid, informing 
her that Prince de Val had been arrested, tried, 
convicted and sentenced for committing the crime 
of forgery. Another came from a stranger who 
suggested how the princess could spend several of 
her millions in various philanthropic enterprises. 
The third, the one she prized the most, and that 
also surprised her, was from her whom she had 
taken to be the nurse of little Taliena, saying that 


TALIEN. 


121 


the little girl had posed for her picture, and that 
as soon as any were ready one would be mailed to 
her. This letter was signed: Oatrina Porter, 
(Young Taliena’s Nurse), Sister of the Commo- 
dore. 

‘‘So, she was the Commodore’s own sister, Catrina, 
of whom he frequently spoke. She it was whom 
I met with young Taliena on my way back to the 
hotel and in one of its hallways. Well, well! I 
wonder if I betrayed my feelings when I saw the 
child. I wonder! Oh, yes, at how many things I 
wonder! This is certainly a world of surprises 
and wonders! Yes, I wonder what will happen 
next!” 

“So, Prince de Val has been convicted of forg- 
ing the name of his uncle. Poor fellow! What 
a fine tenor voice he had! How well he could 
sing! But what a scamp! What a wolf in 
sheep’s clothing! And, as to the philanthropic 
letter, all its suggestions are worthy. But this 
one, from the sister of the Commodore, how 
dear it is to me. To correspond with his own 


122 


TALIEN. 


sister seems like being near him. This accounts 
for the superiority that I noticed in her. There 
was a modesty and a culture in her manners 
and speech that did not quite comport with an 
ordinary nurse. And yet, I treated her as such. 
How stupid I was! What did she think; and 
what did she say to Mrs. Porter, or the Commo- 
dore, about the affair? Well, I will wait a few 
days for the picture, in the meantime acknowl- 
edging and thanking her for the letter.” Thus 
thought and soliloquized the princess. 

Now, she whose hand, heart and fortune had 
been sought again and again, enters a nunnery. 
Seclusion and rest from the vain world is what 
her heart craves. Her wealth and culture give 
her an influence at the cloister. The protection 
that the institution affords one, from those of base 
and sinister motives, she fully appreciates and 
enjoys. 

And yet, she is not what one would call a 
recluse; nor a disciple of Schopenhauer, the pessi- 
mist. She is simply satiated with grief. She 


TALIEN. 


123 


is weary from the vanity of the world and its 
follies. She feels that the saying of biblical 
Solomon is true; that there is nothing in the 
affair, of life but vanity and deception in some 
form or other; that in its final analysis one finds 
but one element, namely, — selfishness. In her 
opinion it is well that there are such institutions 
as monasteries and nunneries. She regards them 
as being in the nature of rest-retreats, with re- 
ligious training. A true sister of charity has 
always excited her admiration and appealed to 
her generosity. She admires and sympathizes 
with them, and is always a generous contributor 
to the order. 

The city of Montreal and its people please her. 
She feels the vigor of its climate and enjoys 
the activity and hospitality of its inhabitants. 
Yet, her heart is heavy. Therein is a deep and 
bitter remorse threatening to destroy her. It is 
her remembrance of the Commodore and the past. 
So, to a nunnery she has gone, perhaps forever. 

It was in this frame of min4 that she entered 


124 


TALIEN. 


the convent of Zenophento; an institution beauti- 
fully situated upon a hill just outside of the 
city. On becoming one of its inmates she donated 
to it $100,000, Assigned to her were beautiful 
rooms with the privilege of roaming at her 

pleasure. Yet, in the midst of these, her heart 
ached. 

She sees and hears in her dreams familiar 

faces and voices; but the face and the voice that 
haunts and taunts her the most, are those of the 

Commodore. Her nights and days are filled 

with sadness. She walks among the flowers and 
gazes away into the heavens; plays the harp and 
sings cheerful airs; besides earnestly praying and 
reading the Bible. Yes, she has everything that 
money can furnish and wise mortals suggest; still, 
bitter remorse eats away at her heart. Her trav- 
els, the beauties of nature, the arts of man, yea, 
her every resort fail to restore the spirit that once 
animated and made glad the heart of this Spanish 
beauty. 

Mother Superior, at the head pf convent, is 


TALIEN. 


125 


exceedingly lovable as well as being superior in 
her nature and character. She, too, on account 
of her wealth, rank, beauty and accomplishments, 
has been the victim of a worthless scion of English 
nobility. 

She and Talien, being somewhat similar in their 
natures, soon become friends, confiding in each 
other some of their troubles and the causes that 
led them to the convent. There was, however, this 
difference: Mother Superior, before she was mar- 
ried to the English count, was never in love, nor 
had she been loved. Furthermore, at the time of 
her engagement she was but a mere school girl, 
with a romantic and wild nature, her views of life 
being grotesque and her acts adventurous. Be- 
sides, she had just graduated from a select English 
school; was in an unsophisticated and roman- 
tic state of mind, with a roving disposition and 
a strong desire to see the world. The count, 
being young, dressy, handsome and fascinating, 
with an apparent fondness for all that attracted 
her, knocked at the door of her heart. His 


126 


TALIEN. 


proposal was accepted and they were married. 
They lived and traveled together until she found, 
to her disgust and indignation, that it was not 
she but her fortune that he smiled upon, courted 
and won. Besides, her eyes became opened to the 
fact that he was dissipated and had no purpose 
in life. Such a man she could not respect nor 
love; nay, she could not tolerate. Therefore, she 
sought and won a divorce; and then, from 
chagrin and disappointment, went into a convent 
where she thought -of remaining the rest of her 
life. Such was the substance of her story. 

‘‘What a difference between her sorrow and 
mine,” thought Talien. “The count did not love 
her, but only her money; while the Commodore 
did love me. Mother Superior married one who 
spent most of her fortune in willful dissipation 
and licentiousness. The Commodore really loved 
me, and I him. He had a noble purpose in 
view; and was occupying an enviable position; 
but I, in a vain and haughty moment, cast him 
aside. He is now married to another and has 


TALIEN. 


127 


a beautiful child; while those that were near 
and dear to me are no more. And yet, the 
sorrow of Mother Superior, in her mind, is a suffi- 
cient cause for her seeking a convent,” Thus 
soliloquized Talien, finding no balm in the common 
saying that: ‘Misery likes company.’ The sad 
story of Mother Superior served only to intensify 
her regret. 

From time to time they met and talked over 
their troubles; but Talien never referred to the 
name of the Commodore, whom she loved and 
admired. It was always about her other losses. 


128 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTER XXI. 

A Letter and Photograph from Oatrina. Death of 
the Commodore and Mrs. Porter. Catrina^s 
Wedding. Taliena with the Princess. 

Oue morning, as she was about leaving the con- 
vent to enjoy her morning ride, a servant handed 
her a letter. It was from Catrina Porter, and 
contained a photograph of little Taliena. “How 
beautiful!” exclaimed the princess, as she rode 
away lookin'g at the picture. “I shall have it 
framed and placed where I can see it whenever I 
enter my room. Beautiful child! How I admire 
and love you! It must be because I loved him 
so much. Catrina, what a beautiful name! And 
what a beautiful face she had! I must answer 
her letter at once. The Commodore must have 
spoken to her about me; but she is too modest 
and respects me too much to mention it. I won- 
der whether she knows the reason of our separa- 
tion. She can’t be more than eighteen or 


TALIEN. 


129 


nineteen, and it is quite possible that the Com- 
modore has not made her his confidant. At any 
rate, I will be prudent in the affair and not 
presume too much.” Thus soliloquized the prin- 
cess as she rode away and then returned to the 
convent. Her thoughts were now always of the 
child and of the Commodore. “Oh, what a 
heart I have! Would that I could banish such 
things from my mind, as some others do.” Such 
were her thoughts as she left the carriage and 
went to her room. 

Ten years with their many changes have now 
intervened since Talien withdrew from a world 
of vanity and deception and knocked at the door 
of Zenophento for rest and seclusion. 

Since then death, again, has visited her be- 
loved circle, taking hence the Commodore and 
his wife, and leaving behind only Taliena. Upon 
her the princess would lavish her love and 
wealth. 

The Commodore and his vessel went beneath 
the waves while he was directing his fieet in 


130 


TALIEN. 


foreign waters. Mrs. Porter soon after answered 
the call of death’s angel, leaving her only child, 
Taliena, in the care of her aunt, Catrina Porter. 

Now and then the Princess, with tears in her 
eyes and a palpitating heart, sings the songs 
that the General and the Commodore loved so 
well. Her voice is also heard in such pieces 
as “The Heart Bowed Down,” and Gottschalk’s 
“Last Hope.” And, as she sings, the sisters at 
the convent listen in reverent amazement, regard- 
ing her as an inspired saint. 

A life of disappointment and grief has thus 
early caused her long and silken-like tresses to 
lose some of their former hue and gloss. But 
she is still beautiful and stately. Never did grief 
and remorse inhabit an object of rarer beauty and 
loftier spirit. 

One day, while Talien was reading over some 
of the letters of the Commodore from the Orient 
and gazing at the photograph of Taliena, a let- 
ter from Catrina arrived informing her that she 
and Taliena would shortly visit Montreal and that 


TALIEN. 


131 


she would then like to consult with her as to 
Taliena’s future. This was a pleasant surprise 
to Talien, as she had been longing to see them 
both. 

In a few days they arrived and were fondly 
welcomed. Young Taliena had grown and de- 
veloped to such an extent that she appeared to 
be a young lady of eighteen years rather than 
thirteen, besides, being handsome and proud in 
her appearance. The princess was pleased with 
her and profuse in her attentions to Catrina. 

In consulting with the latter, as to what should 
be done with Taliena, she learned that Catrina was 
soon to marry a Bostonian, in the service of 
the U. S. N., and that she would live in Phila- 
delphia that she might be with him, he being in 
charge there of some U. 8. construction plant. 

Now the princess saw in this an opportunity. 
She would have Taliena under her supervision 
attending a private school. So, she offered to 
defray all the expense of such a plan and take 
her to the convent to live. The character, posi- 


132 


TALIEN. 


tion and wealth of the princess, besides her 
great interest and love in young Taliena, caused 
Catrina to give her consent, but with one pro- 
vision. That provision was that the princess 
would obtain quarters elsewhere than in the con- 
vent for herself and Taliena. To this proviso the 
princess assented, although loath to leave the con- 
vent where she had long received kind attention 
and treatment. Therefore, she bought a palatial 
and elegantly furnished residence having princely 
surroundings, where she and Taliena with a retinue 
of servants might reside. All that money could 
purchase was found within its enclosure. Young 
Taliena had her special tutors of the languages, 
art and music. Her voice was rare and beauti- 
ful, although it never reached and stirred the 
soul as did that of the princess. 

In the course of time Oatrina’s wedding bells 
ring. The princess being ill fails to respond. 
However, she does not neglect to send her check 
to the bride for $25,000 as a wedding gift. 

Now Taliena is in Montreal attending a pri- 


TALIEN. 


183 


vate school. In her looks and manners, the 
princess is constantly reminded of the Commodore, 
for whom she yearns. Once her heart beat with 
joy and anticipation; now, she feels a remorse that 
only death can end. And while she loves to see 
the form of Taliena and hear her voice, yet 
there is in the heart of the princess an aching 
void. 

She still retains her elegant apartments at the 
convent, where her visits are thrice welcome. The 
Mother Superior and she are frequently seen 
chatting together. For many years she has re- 
garded it as her home, while its inmates have 
ever treated her with profound respect. She 
feels that she will always be welcome to enter 
its portals. 

Young Taliena is now eighteen. She is a 
lovely blonde, with a healthy and rare complexion. 
Her eyes are full and blue, while her lips are of a 
rosy hue. Her figure is artistic and her manners 
are graceful. She is the pet and admiration of 
the princess, who is planning to travel with her 


134 


TALIEN. 


when she graduates. The princess, being rich 
in experience and in the art o£ sight seeing, 
would take Taliena on an extended trip to visit 
foreign scenes. She has already engaged passage 
on the steamer Zanowskie, which will soon sail 
for the Orient, where she intends to visit the 
monument erected to the memory of the Oonimo- 
dore. 

Taliena, who is noted for her precocity now 
graduates with honors. This pleases the princess 
and Catrina, both seeing in her a future of 
promise. 


TALIEN. 


135 


CHAPTER XXII. 

Princess Talien’s Will. The Princess and Taliena Visit 
the Orient. The Commodore’s Monument. 

Now Talien has learned from sad experience 
that it is well to look ahead in the light of the 
past and make due preparations for what may 
occur. Hence, she seeks a lawyer and makes 
her will. She bequeaths some of her estate to 
the convent, where she has passed so many 
happy hours; some to the Mother Superior; 
some to Catrina; some to the lawyer who ad- 
vised her in Madrid; and the balance to Taliena 
and her heirs. She had already disposed of her 
Spanish properties and invested her all in United 
States bonds. Having securely deposited her 
will, after taking a copy of it, she and her 
young ward leave for the Orient. 

Taliena is especially favored in being under the 
care and in the company pf piie whose mature 


136 


TALIEN. 


reason and experience will direct her views and 
ways. Besides, she has learned some excellent 
sayings, with the truth of which she is much 
impressed, and which run thus: “In order to 
do right, one must think right,” “Thought en- 
genders feeling, and feeling action,” “As one 
thinks, he is likely to act.” These, appearing 
to blend with her observations and experiences, 
she not only remembered but tried to practice. 

Well, the steamer Zanowskie with the princess 
and Taliena is now sailing in the waters of the 
Orient. At a distance and in the morning light, 
not far from the port into which the vessel will 
sail, there rises and stands proudly forth, upon 
an enclosed eminence, a granite monument sur- 
mounted by the commanding figure of the Com- 
modore, beneath which and upon whose shaft is 
inscribed: 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE BRAVE AND NOBLE 

OoMMODOBE Henry E. Porter 

OF THE U. S. N. 

As the steamer is to stop here a day or two, 


TALIEN. 


137 


the princess and Taliena improve the opportunity 
by visiting several times the sacred spot. Pic- 
tures of the Commodore, with a slight sketch of 
the sudden gale that rose and engulfed the ves- 
sel, are on sale, copies of which they secure. 

While seated there and gazing into the face 
of the Commodore, the princess could not refrain 
from exhibiting her emotions. This drew the 
attention of Taliena, who could not understand 
such a display of intense feeling for her father 
who had long since passed away, and whom she 
could scarcely remember. 

It was now very evident to the princess that 
no one had made known to Taliena her relations 
to him, upon whose monument and into whose 
face she now gazed, and which seemed to be 
speaking to her. And, although she had been 
officially informed that the United States had 
caused a monument to be erected to his daring 
and memory, yet, she had never supposed that 
she would ever see it. 

Sitting there iii its shadow and looking up 


138 


TALIEN. 


intently into his kind but gallant face, she re- 
proaches herself more than ever; yet, for young 
Taliena’s sake she would try to hide her emotions. 
It was when she was alone that she wept. 

Now, she and Taliena having visited the most 
noted places in the Orient, as well as the won- 
derful places and achievements in Europe, have 
returned to America and the city of Montreal. 

She and her ward have been absent in the 
Orient and Europe for more than two years. 
Taliena in the meantime has heard and seen 
much, thereby increasing her personal knowl- 
edge. 

But the princess, having visited the places in 
the Orient where the Commodore had been, and 
where her fatal letter was received and answered, 
besides the spot where he afterwards went to 
the bottom of the sea while directing his fleet, 
could now tearfully and truthfully sing: ‘T would 
not live alway.” 

As she sees youthful Taliena skipping about 
and singing familiar strains, she recalls the youth 


TALIEN. 


139 


of her own days and tries not to brood over 
her disappointments and follies. But the attempts 
are vain, and her heart still aches. 


140 


TALIEN. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

Taliena’s Wedding. The Death of Princess Talien. 

The Sealed Letter. 

Now fresh trouble is in store for her. She 
is soon to be deprived of the company of Taliena, 
who is engaged and will soon marry. Her be- 
trothed has just returned from Europe and opened 
a law office in the city of Salem, Mass., the 
place of his birth. His habits are good and 
his prospects bright. With him Talien is pleased 
and so informs Taliena. She now volunteers to 
render the prospective bride any assistance that 
she may desire. 

Well, the day of the wedding has arrived; 
the bells are ringing out the joyful news. 
The princess and Oatrina are endeavoring to 
make the occasion bright and happy. Both have 
come with congratulations and gifts. The prin- 
cess has placed among the presents her sealed 


TALIEN. 


141 


note of love accompanied by her check for 
$50,000. Besides, she has instructed Taliena to 
purchase, according to her own fancy and in her 
own name, a $50,000 residence. 

These gifts make Taliena independent. She 
cannot understand such attentions. Besides, as 
yet she knows naught of the will of the princess, 
and the provisions made therein for her. 

Now, after the wedding, the princess is par- 
ticularly sad and lonely. Everybody seems to 
have died or forsaken her, leaving her alone to 
brood and grieve. Her title and money, without 
her past loves to cherish, are to her but an 
aggravation. She now returns to her palatial 
residence in Canada where she is taken sick. 
The best of physicians and nurses give her 
attention. But she continues to fail. Taliena 
and her aunt Oatrina are now summoned. Upon 
their arrival they find her low and sinking. 
Most eminent physicians are called, who hold a 
consultation with the result that the case is di- 
agnosed as heart failure from disappointment. 


142 


TALIEN. 


superinduced by some grief of long standing 
which is now nearing its. close. Of this the 
princess is informed, and that she is liable to 
be called hence at any moment. At this she 
expresses her satisfaction. She has been ready 
and longing for some time to join those whom 
she dearly loves and whose voices she already 
hears in that innumerable throng. 

Beautiful Talien! There she lies upon a couch 
looking out of the window into the blue sky, as 
though she saw a face; and now, turning toward 
the wall where hangs a picture of the Commo- 
dore, with a sigh she murmurs something to her- 
self. 

Hark! The angel is calling. Her grief will 
soon be over. The close of her sad existence 
is near. ’Tis evening; the sun is setting; 
Taliena and Catrina are sitting by the couch of 
the dying, tearfully waiting. The princess looks 
into their anxious and sorrowing faces, and with 
a happy smile closes her eyes. Now she turns 
and looks again with moving lips at the picture 


TALIEN. 


143 


upon the wall; then she fondly and smilingly 
scans the face of Taliena, at the same time 
directing her maid to bring a certain box. 
Opening this she takes from it a sealed letter, 
bearing the inscription: ‘‘To be opened after 
my death.^’ This she hands to Taliena with a 
farewell smile, and then sweetly and peacefully 
passes away. 

But what about the sealed letter that the 
princess gave to Taliena while dying? Oh, yes! 
Well, here is a copy of it which shall tell its 
own story: 

MoNTEEAii, Canada, 18 — 

My DeaVy Dear Taliena: 

I am so sad without your cheerful and loving presence. 
You have been, for a number of years, the very life and 
light of my existence. A peculiar feeling came over me 
when I first saw you at the White Mountains. I saw 
then, in your face and smile, the image of one whom I 
loved and still love. And when I met you in the hall- 
way, at the Kearsarge house, and took you in my arms, 
it seemed as though he were present and approving. 

Then came your photograph with a letter from your 


144 


TALIEN. 


aimt Catrina, which were a source of comfort to me. 
The former, I had framed and placed on the center table 
in my drawing room that I might always see it. It 
seemed to light up the surroundings and gare to me a 
cheer which I cannot express. 

Afterwards you came to live with me and attend school. 
Many are the walks we have taken together and the 
songs we have sung. Again, I have often listened with 
delight and a hidden sigh to your romantic laughter and 
wild anticipations. In the course of years you became a 
young lady and graduated with honors. We then went 
abroad for a couple of years. 

You will remember that while we were at X in the 

Orient, we visited several times the monument erected to 
the memory of your father. You will also, doubtless, 
remember the emotion that I displayed while seated 
with you there looking up into his face. You were sur- 
prised, not expecting or comprehending such an exhibition 
upon my part; nor did I think it best to explain. Be- 
sides, I was quite confident that you knew nothing of my 
past relations with him whose memory I so much cherished 
and whose skill and bravery the monument was erected 
to perpetuate. And even now I think it best to refer 
you to your aunt Oatrina for the romance and bitterness 
of my past life; how I met and became engaged to your 


TALIEN. 


145 


father; and how he later happened to marry your mother: 
she whom I honor, and he whom I love. 

Yes, it seems to me quite proper, in case I am called 
hence before you, that you should know the secret and 
sorrow of my life, which, when known to you, will account 
for many of my strange acts. 

Upon returning from your wedding at Salem, Mass., 
and having a strong presentiment that something was to 
happen to me, and in obedience to a voice within that 
bade me write a letter which I should seal and leave for 
you to open and read upon my death, I have written, 
signed, and sealed this. 

Your aunt Gatrina has known for a number of years 
the sad story of my heart; a secret which she has faith- 
fully kept, but which I here bid her impart to you. 

If you survive me — and I hope you will — may your life 
be a long and happy one. You are married to one who 
seems to me more like your father than anybody whom 
I have ever met. Merit his love and devotion, and I am 
sure you will receive it. 

You need never want for anything that money can pur- 
chase, since I have left you several millions by my will, 
a copy of which you will find among my papers in my 
box in the Vault of Montreal. 

By its terms you are appointed sole executrix of my 


146 


TALIEN. 


estate without bonds. You will observe, upon reading it, 
that I have donated to the American lawyer, who gave 
me brave and loyal advice which saved me from marrying 
Prince de Yal, and thereby becoming a greater victim of 
his deception, a sum of money in grateful remembrance. 
For this, no amount of money can compensate him. 
You will find his name and address in the will. 

As I have already said, your aunt Catrina, whom I 
admire and love, will tell you the whole story. 

Good-bye, my dear child, may God bless you. 

Yours, with fondest love, 

Talien Oareta Mbdillo. 


Thus, Talien, a Spanish princess, once the pride 
and belle of Kacine, having lived a life of romance 
surrounded by tragedy and ending in remorse, has, 
at the call of the Master, closed her eyes forever 
upon all that is mortal. In death she appears 
more beautiful than in life. The spirit of grief 
and remorse, so long noticeable in her countenance, 
has disappeared. Now, one can trace there naught 
but sweetness and serenity. The joys and sorrows 
of life, with its vanity and many conceits, aspira- 


TALIEN. 


147 


tions and delusions, have been succeeded by im- 
mortal bliss. 

Now she is laid away at Eacine, as her will 
directs, by the side of her foster mother, Mrs. 
Medillo, in the Cemetery of Alvina. In her life 
and romance, we note the grief and remorse that 
awaits one who, in a foolish and weak moment, 
listens and yields to the deceptive and captivating 
voice of the siren of ambition aided by flattery. 

And we further note, that one should be devoted 
to the noble and the true, though not so ostent- 
atious, avoiding the base and the false; that it is 
well to suspect and investigate those who wear the 
insignia of rank and move in the circles of the idle 
and the vicious, thereby saving ourselves from 
mortiflcation, remorse, or disaster. 























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